Maicon Santos' Last-Gasp Equalizer Secures Point in Season Opener
Published on April 2, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers opened the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season in dramatic fashion at Lockhart Stadium by scoring late to play newcomer and regional rival Miami FC to a 1-1 tie.
After applying sustained pressure in the second half against a shorthanded Miami side, the Strikers were eventually rewarded with the equalizer through a penalty kick converted by Maicon Santos. Despite the pressure, the forward kept his composure, making no mistake from the spot four minutes into added time. Geison Moura earned the spot kick after being tripped by Brad Rusin inside the penalty box.
Miami FC's boss -- legendary Italian defender Alessandro Nesta -- and Strikers head coach and general manager Caio Zanardi ended up settling for a share of the points in their official NASL coaching debuts. Zanardi managed Fort Lauderdale during a positive preseason of high-profile international friendly games and a successful two-week tour of China.
"Second half we controlled the match," said Zanardi. "We need to improve and play much better in the next two weeks against Minnesota. We had five players injured, we also were tired from the trip to China. It will take some time to get our rhythm going. They pressured us in the first 25 minutes."
Miami FC played a man short since the end of the first half, when defender Jorge Luis Corrales was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time.
Forward Dario Cvitanich put Miami up in the 12th minute by converting from the penalty spot. The 31-year-old took the kick after Ariel Martinez was brought down. Strikers goalkeeper Bruno guessed correctly to his lower right side, but was unable to get a hand on the ball.
Maicon Santos had a high quality scoring chance for the Strikers in the 80th minute, but couldn't push the ball past the stretched arms of goalkeeper Mario Daniel Vega, who made a spectacular save from three yards out.
Gale Agbossoumonde kept the home side in the game five minutes later when he cleared the ball out on a point-blank shot by Martinez, who dribbled around keeper Bruno for an open chance.
Miami looked strong in the first half, but the Strikers turned the tide after the intermission in what was a physical contest. Miami had five players cautioned and one sent off, while two Fort Lauderdale players saw the yellow card. Both teams had three shots on target, with the Strikers taking a total of 18 shots to Miami's 10.
Fort Lauderdale has a bye next week before travelling to Minnesota on April 16th.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 2, 2016
- Eddies Earn Valuable Point Versus Rayo OKC to Open 2016 NASL Season - FC Edmonton
- Indy Eleven Earn Gritty Road Point in Season Opening Stalemate at Tampa Bay - Indy Eleven
- Maicon Santos' Last-Gasp Equalizer Secures Point in Season Opener - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Rowdies and Indy Eleven Share Points After 0-0 Draw - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- RailHawks Jump out to Aggressive Start for 10th Anniversary Season with 2-1 Win - North Carolina FC
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