Shakhtar Donetsk to Face Strikers in International Friendly
Published on January 15, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Strikers will test their mettle against another international opponent this month, with the club today announcing news of a friendly match against perennial UEFA Champions League participants FC Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine. Fort Lauderdale's Lockhart Stadium will host the international friendly on Tuesday, January 26, at 6 p.m. ET.
"I would like to thank Shakhtar for their cooperation in making this match possible," said Strikers Managing Director Luis Cuccatti. "Like the Florida Cup and our match against Corinthians, this game is another opportunity to show our growth as a club and allow our fans to experience soccer at the highest level."
FC Shakhtar Donetsk is one of the largest clubs in Eastern Europe, having been champions of Europe in 2009, winning the Uefa Cup and is a regular participant in the Champions League. Founded in 1936, the club is celebrating its 80th year of existence. Shakhtar currently leads the Ukrainian Premier League with a 14-1-1 record in the 2015-16 season.
Shakhtar is also famous for its large contingent of Brazilian stars including internationals Fred and Bernard.
"The club is very excited to be here in the U.S. for the first time," said Joe Palmer, Executive Director of FC Shakhtar Donetsk. "This match against the Strikers will be our very first game against a professional U.S. team and we are really looking forward to the experience. "
Shakhtar is currently in the United States on their midseason break, where they will face a pair of Brazilian sides Fluminense and Corinthians in the Florida Cup. Both matches will be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Shakhtar's first match is against Fluminense this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.
The Strikers faced German side FC Schalke 04 on the first day of the Florida Cup, performing admirably in a 2-0 defeat after just one week of preseason training. The team's next match is against Copa Sudamericana champions Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia on Sunday, January 17, at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.
Lockhart Stadium will be the host site for Fluminense and Internacional on January 20. The venue will also host the international friendly between the Strikers and Corinthians on January 23. Tickets are on sale at Strikers.com/FloridaCup.
Tickets to see the Strikers face Shakhtar will go on sale soon on Strikers.com/tickets.
North American Soccer League Stories from January 15, 2016
- Shakhtar Donetsk to Face Strikers in International Friendly - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Indy Eleven Adds More Defensive Experience Via Transfer Signing of Colin Falvey - Indy Eleven
- Fury FC Sign Former Derby County Standout James Bailey; Transfer Falvey - Ottawa Fury FC
- Former RailHawks Standout Matt Watson Returns to Team - North Carolina FC
- Cosmos Sign U.S. U-17 International Eric Calvillo - New York Cosmos
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