Late Strikers Rally Not Enough in Narrow Defeat to Rowdies
August 6, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- A late rally by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers produced several goal-scoring opportunities but not the equalizer in a 2-1 defeat to historic rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium.
After a scoreless first half, the Rowdies started the second half the stronger side, going up 2-0 inside of the hour mark thanks to Keith Savage and Joe Cole. Strikers substitute Jose Angulo pulled one back for the visitors to shift momentum in the Strikers' favor, but a missed penalty kick by Adrianinho and a spectacular last-gasp save by Rowdies net-minder Matt Pickens denied any hopes of a comeback.
Second-half substitute Angulo changed the match following his 58th minute introduction. The forward got on the end of a lofted ball over the defense by Manny Gonzalez to fire past Pickens and cut the deficit midway through the second half to spark a late rally.
As the momentum traded hands, the Strikers were awarded a penalty kick minutes later when Angulo's cross struck the arm of a Rowdies defender. Veteran set-piece specialist Adrianinho -- fresh on the field as a substitute -- stepped up to take the kick. Pickens guessed correctly to his left to keep the shot out and maintain the 2-1 advantage.
Despite the penalty miss, Fort Lauderdale continued to push for the equalizer and Angulo nearly found it in stoppage time. His scissor kick at the back post on Adrianinho's corner looked destined for the back of the net but the reaction of Pickens from point-blank range thwarted the acrobatic attempt.
At the other end, center back Gale Agbossoumonde -- captain of the Strikers in the absence of Jean-Marc Alexandre -- produced a pair of goal-line clearances.
For the first goal, Bruno Cardoso, making his second-consecutive start in goal, was beaten by a well-placed shot off the underside of the bar from Savage after a ball to the back post by Cole just five minutes after the second-half restart. Cole would get on the scoresheet himself eight minutes later with a close-range finish that Bruno could only manage to get a hand on as it trickled into the back of the net.
South Florida native Gonzalez pulled the strings in midfield, and narrowly missed the goal on three occasions from distance.
PC made his debut for the Rowdies as a late substitute. The Brazilian was sold to the Tampa Bay side on Friday.
Fort Lauderdale continues on their Florida tour to face Miami FC and Jacksonville Armada FC on the road in their next two matches, on Saturday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 17, respectively.
A new era begins for the Strikers on Saturday, August 20, when the club kicks off the first match of their new home at Central Broward Stadium against Ottawa Fury FC. Tickets are on sale now at Strikers.com.
Scoring Summary
1st 2nd FT
TBR 0 2 2
FTL 0 1 1
TBR - Keith Savage (assisted by Joe Cole) - 50th minute TBR - Joe Cole (Georgi Hristov) - 58' FTL - Jose Angulo (Manny Gonzalez) - 71'
Lineups Fort Lauderdale Strikers (4-2-3-1) - Bruno; Attakora, Agbossoumonde (C), James, Corrales; Gonzalez (Arguez 85'), Luis Felipe; Geison Moura (Angulo 58'), Nuî=B1ez (Adrianinho 70'), Paulo Jr.; Maicon Santos
Unused Substitutes: Restrepo, Dalton, Kleberson, Pineda
Tampa Bay Rowdies (4-3-3) - Pickens; King, Mkandawire (C), Collins, Ramirez; Vingaard, Cole, Savage (Guerra 85'); Avila, Preciado (Heinemann 82'), Hristov (PC 78')
Unused Substitutes: Glodack, Adu, Chavez, Burgos
Booking Summary FTL - Agbossoumonde (caution) - 19' TBR - Mkandawire (caution) - 21' TBR - Savage (caution) - 55' FTL - Luis Felipe (caution) - 61'
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- Midfielders Savage and Cole Lift Rowdies to Win - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Late Strikers Rally Not Enough in Narrow Defeat to Rowdies - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Earn a Well-Deserved Point at Jacksonville - North Carolina FC
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