Nuñez Freekick Powers Strikers to 2-1 Road Victory
May 21, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A stunning second-half freekick by Ramon Nuñez was the difference for Fort Lauderdale as the Strikers picked up a second-consecutive road victory with a 2-1 win over Rayo OKC.
Fort Lauderdale picked up a point after a scoreless draw with Indy Eleven last weekend, after a convincing 3-1 victory knocked Carolina RailHawks of the top spot in the NASL Spring Season standings a week prior. With tonight's win, the Strikers leapfrog the North American Soccer League (NASL) newcomers in the Spring Season standings. Fort Lauderdale is unbeaten in three-straight matches.
"I am so pleased with the performance of my players tonight," said Head Coach and General Manager Caio Zanardi. "They did everything I asked of them. We played compact, disciplined, and controlled the flow of the match. The team is playing well. We know there is still a long way to go but we are improving with each and every match. It was a wonderful performance and a deserved three points."
Jose Angulo opened the scoring in the 33rd minute of the match in the first-ever meeting between the two sides.. Nana Attakora served up a precision cross from the right flank that Angulo headed home for his first goal of the campaign.
Minutes later, Nuñez nearly doubled the lead for the visitors. The diminutive attacker cruised his way through midfield before smashing a shot off the underside of the crossbar.
Fort Lauderdale carried a 1-0 lead into the break, but Rayo OKC found their way back into the match courtesy of a Michael penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Diego Restrepo guessed correctly on the attempt, but the NASL top scorer had both pace and precision on the effort to equalize for the hosts.
Zanardi was sent to the stands after protesting the decision to award a penalty kick. Assistant Coach Phillip Dos Santos took charge from the touchlines for the remaining half hour of the match. The match was hotly-contested, with six cautions dished out by the referee.
With 20 minutes remaining, Nuñez scored the game-winning goal from distance with a perfectly-executed freekick. The Honduran midfielder send the ball over the wall and past the fingertips of a diving Daniel Fernandes to notch his first goal for the club.
Minutes later, Nuñez had another freekick attempt strike the bar.
Fort Lauderdale withstood a late surge from OKC, but the defense, and goalkeeper Restrepo in particular, held firm to see out the result.
The Strikers record is now 2-3-2 (W-T-L) on the season.
In their next match, the Strikers head north of the border to face Ottawa Fury FC on Friday, May 27. Action returns to Lockhart Stadium on June 4, when the Strikers go to battle against historic rivals New York Cosmos in the Spring Season home finale. Tickets to the match are on sale now on Strikers.com.
North American Soccer League Stories from May 21, 2016
- Nuñez Freekick Powers Strikers to 2-1 Road Victory - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Four Second Half Goals Propels Armada U-23 Past Kraze United, 4-2 - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Indy Eleven Takes "Fight for First" vs. Minnesota United FC Via 4-2 Win - Indy Eleven
- Minnesota United Drops 4-2 Result to Indy Eleven - Minnesota United FC
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