Strikers Advance in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to Face D.C. United
Published on June 1, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. - After 120 minutes of action, a weather delay, and a dramatic penalty shootout, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers emerged victorious over the Richmond Kickers, advancing to the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Strikers goalkeeper Diego Restrepo was the hero, saving three of Richmond's penalties as the Strikers won the penalty kick shooutout 2-0 after a 1-1 draw at Broward College South Campus. Geison Moura buried the Strikers' fourth kick, setting up a Fourth Round date with Major League Soccer side D.C. United on Wednesday, June 15, at the Maryland Soccerplex.
"I have always been confident in my penalties," said Restrepo. "In 2013 NASL season, I was five out of five in penalties, saving all of them. Penalty shootouts are what goalkeepers dream of - it's our big chance to showcase our talent."
Strikers Head Coach and General Manager Caio Zanardi rotated his side from the weekend's 2-1 win in Ottawa due to injuries and with an eye toward the crucial fixture against the New York Cosmos looming. Five changes were made, with Gale Agbossoumonde assuming the captain's armband.
The Strikers got off to the best possible start when Fort Lauderdale native Manny Gonzalez scored from a freekick in just the second minute of action. The goal was the midfielder's first as a professional, in what was his 50th competitive match with the Strikers.
Richmond Kickers, who play in the third division of U.S. soccer, responded through inspirational midfielder Yudai Imura in the 28th minute. Anthony Grant dispossessed Giuseppe Gentile on the right flank before feeding the Japanese playmaker into the box, where he rounded Restrepo to tap the ball in for an equalizer.
The match experienced an hour-long weather delay in the 76th minute after lightning was detected in the immediate vicinity.
After the match resumed, neither side could score a winning goal as the match headed to extra time.
The Strikers thought they scored a winner just two minutes into extra time. Maicon Santos redirected a Ramon Nuñez freekick into the back of the net with his head, but the offside flag was up on the far side.
After 30 scoreless minutes, a winner was decided on penalties.
Restrepo produced saves on the first kick by Imura, as well as on the third and fourth kicks by Jason Yeisley and Braeden Troyer, after Lucas Paulini fired wide. PC opened for the Strikers with a perfectly executed penalty and Geison Moura scored the winner with the Strikers' fourth kick, sending the Strikers into the Fourth Round.
Attention now shifts to Saturday when action returns to Lockhart Stadium on as 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.
Additional Comments
Strikers Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo on the Strikers' season turnaround
"Patience, time and hard work. You have to remember there is only five guys from last season's team in this year's roster. It takes some time for the team to gel together and get to know each-other's strengths.
Restrepo on an afternoon kickoff on turf
"The conditions weren't great for either team. It was one of the toughest field conditions I have played in during my career. Especially with the big game coming up on Saturday, it didn't do us any favours. But we just have to take care of ourselves and recuperate for that."
Restrepo on the next match, at home, against New York Cosmos
"We are at home against the Cosmos next. With a win against them on Saturday, we still have a chance in the Spring season. We just have to go out there and continue to play the way we have been doing."
North American Soccer League Stories from June 1, 2016
- Cosmos Advance in Open Cup with Win over Jersey Express - New York Cosmos
- Minnesota United Advances to U.S.Open Cup Fourth Round with 2-0 Win over Saint Louis FC - Minnesota United FC
- RailHawks Down Charlotte Independence 5-0 - North Carolina FC
- Fury FC Score Big Win in Front of Big Crowd at TD Place - Ottawa Fury FC
- Miami FC Edged By Wilmington 2-1 - Miami FC
- Strong Second Half Sees Indy Eleven Post 2-1 Win over Louisville City FC in U.S. Open Cup Third Roun - Indy Eleven
- Rowdies Advance to U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round with 1-0 Win over FC Cincinnati - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Armada Triumphs in 2-1 Open Cup Extra Time Thriller over Battery - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Strikers Advance in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to Face D.C. United - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- NY Cosmos Academy Recruiting - New York Cosmos
- Toronto Trip a Success for FC Edmonton Academy - FC Edmonton
- Minnesota United Begin U.S. Open Cup Play in Saint Louis - Minnesota United FC
- Nine NASL Clubs Enter U.S. Open Cup Fold on Wednesday - NASL
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