Shorthanded Strikers Suffer First Defeat of Season in Minnesota
Published on April 16, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Blaine, Minnesota - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played a man down for more than an hour in a 3-0 defeat to Minnesota United FC in the club's first away game of the 2016 North American Soccer League Spring Season in front of a crowd of 9,050 at NSC Stadium.
Damion Lowe and Christian Ramirez scored at the end of the first half against the 10-man Strikers before an unfortunate own goal by Fort Lauderdale defender Luis Zapata toward the end of the match ensured defeat.
Fort Lauderdale came out of the gates strong and traded opportunities with Minnesota in the opening stages.
The turning point came in the 21st minute when Minnesota midfielder Jeb Brovsky clumsily tumbled over Fort Lauderdale's Geison Moura, who was attempting to shield the ball against his former club. Center referee Caleb Mendez reached for his pocket and, without hesitation, flashed the red card to the Strikers forward for his alleged retaliation after the foul. Brovsky was not booked.
Down a man, Fort Lauderdale maintained their composure and defensive shape against a potent Loons' offense. Minnesota were finally able to capitalize on the man advantage in the closing stages of the first half. A Ben Speas corner kick was headed into the net by Lowe to open the scoring in the 40th minute.
A goalkeeping error by Bruno gifted Ramirez an open goal in first-half stoppage time. The Strikers netminder failed to catch a high ball in the box, instead dropping the ball at the feet of the Minnesota all-time top scorer, who doubled the host's advantage.
It was a difficult first road game for Caio Zanardi as head coach, who made a few changes to the side that opened the season with a 1-1 draw against Miami FC on April 2. Julius James moved to right back for the injured Nana Attakora, with Zapata starting in the center. Matheus Carvalho and Jose Angulo also entered the starting lineup.
Minnesota's third goal summed up the night. An attacking play created by Speas was crossed in from the left side and met with an off-target header by Ramirez. Zapata was caught in the wrong place as the headed effort stuck his chest and caromed over the goal line.
Fort Lauderdale is now 0-1-1 (W-T-L) on the season.
The Strikers return home to face Jacksonville Armada FC on Saturday, April 23, at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Tickets are on sale at Strikers.com/tickets.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 16, 2016
- Cosmos Dealt First Defeat of Season at Indy - New York Cosmos
- RailHawks Edge Fury in a Tight Contest - Ottawa Fury FC
- Carolina atop the league standings after third straight win - NASL
- RailHawks Move to 3-0 with Win over Ottawa Fury FC - North Carolina FC
- Eddies Inspired Effort Comes up Short in 1-0 Defeat to Rowdies - FC Edmonton
- United Bests Strikers 3-0 in Dominant Home Opener Win - Minnesota United FC
- Indy Eleven Collects 2-1 Win Via Late Comeback over New York - Indy Eleven
- Shorthanded Strikers Suffer First Defeat of Season in Minnesota - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Hold on for Wild 1-0 Win over FC Edmonton - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Eddies Midfielder Raudales in Familiar Territory - FC Edmonton
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