Match Preview and Match Notes - #OKCvFTL
September 15, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Preview: Rayo OKC vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers | #OKCvFTL
Key Facts Match: RayoOKC vs Fort Lauderdale Strikers Date: Sunday, 18 September 2016 Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET Venue: Miller Stadium Broadcast: SFL-TV (Miami/Fort Lauderdale) ESPN3, NASL.com (Canada)
2016 Combined Records (W-T-L) FTL: 6th place: 8-7-8, 31 points; 24 GF / 26 GA, -2 GD OKC: 8th place: 7-8-9, 29 points; 27 GF / 28 GA, -1 GD
Series History First Meeting: May 21, 2016; 2-1 W at OKC Recent Meeting: May 21, 2016; 2-1 W at OKC Series History: 1-0-0 (2GF / 1 GA; +1 GD) At FTL: N/A At OKC: 1-0-0 (2 GF / 1GA; +1 GD)
Strikers Notes: LAST MEETING
Fort Lauderdale won the first ever meeting between the clubs on May 21, with a 2-1 victory at Miller Stadium. Ramon NuÅ=88ez and Jose Angulo recorded goals in the Fort Lauderdale victory. NuÅ=88ez's spectacular free kick was his first goal for the cl ub and served as the game winner.
SUCCESSFUL HOMESTAND
The Strikers finished their four-game homestand this past Saturday, with a 2-1 win over NASL Spring Champions Indy Eleven. Fort Lauderdale earned eight points in the four-match run lifting the Strikers to 5th in the overall NASL table. During the homestand the Strikers conceded just two goals.
THAT'S AMAURI!
On August 9, the Strikers signed former Italian international Amauri, who is best known for his time with Juventus, Parma, Napoli and Torino. The Italian international brings a wealth of experience to the club and one of the best resumes of any player in the NASL Modern Era. Amauri came on the 76th minute against Miami FC and scored on his Fort Lauderdale debut. A week later he struck twice including a bicycle kick that made Sportscenter's Top 10 plays of the day in a 3-1 win over Ottawa. Again Minnesota on Wednesday night, Amauri went 90 minutes helping to create several opportunities for Fort Lauderdale in the 0-0 draw.
OUTSTANDING FORM FROM BRUNO
The Brazilian Goalkeeper has started the last eight games with the Strikers games recording a record of 4-3-1 (W-D-L) over the period. Bruno had to come up with big saves against Jacksonville on August 17 to preserve a 1-1 draw and saved a penalty with the score tied 1-1 on August 20 against Ottawa. Fort Lauderdale went on to win that match 3-1. Bruno made three saves and kept a clean sheet against Minnesota on August 31. Bruno made eight saves and Since being reinserted into the starting XI, Bruno has conceded just five times in the eight game stretch he has started for a whopping 0.63 Goals against average (GAA).
MANNY GONZALEZ CLIMBS ALL-TIME STRIKERS LIST
Local Broward County product Manny Gonzalez has climbed the all-time Strikers appearance list this season and now sits eighth on the modern Fort Lauderdale list. Gonzalez's 62 appearances put him within striking distance of reaching the top five all-time during this NASL season.
UNBEATEN RUN
Fort Lauderdale is now unbeaten in six successive matches overall a streak which began with a 2-0 win over Miami FC on August 13. The Strikers have also won five consecutive home games dating back to July 30. The club's all-time record is eight successive unbeaten home games in 2012. The Strikers longest all-time unbeaten streak is eight games - this streak was snapped in the NASL Championship game on November 15, 2014 when Fort Lauderdale lost to San Antonio 2-1.
CENTRAL BROWARD STADIUM
The Strikers opened Central Broward Stadium on August 20 with a 3-1 win over Ottawa and followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Minnesota on August 31. The Strikers followed that up with a 0-0 draw versus New York on September 3. This game against Indy will be the final match in a four game homestand to open the facility as the Strikers new home.The stadium which features features modern seating areas with a full roof to protect fans from the sun and rain. The roof and intimate setting was on display in the August 20 match as a unique atmosphere helped propel the Strikers to victory. The facility has a history in soccer having previously hosted MLS Combine in the past along with the FC Barcelona Soccer School.
About the Fort Lauderdale Strikers The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are part of the 13-team North American Soccer League (NASL). Fort Lauderdale has made the postseason four times in five NASL Modern Era seasons. The club's history dates back to 1977 and the original NASL. The Strikers play at Central Broward Stadium. For more information, visit Strikers.com or follow @FTLStrikers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram .
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