Strikers Advance in US Open Cup with 7-2 Victory
Published on May 22, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 22, 2012) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers advanced to face the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS in the third round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 7-2 win against the Fresno Fuego of the PDL. Strikers forward Aly Hassan had a hat-trick and midfielder Polo Morales added two goals for the Strikers in the win. The third round match will be on Tuesday, May 29th at 7:30pm PT at Cagan Stadium on the Stanford University campus in Stanford, Calif.
"We're pleased with the result and it's great to move on to face an opponent like San Jose," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "At the same time we've got to get better with the ball and clean up our passing and organization if we want to continue to move forward in the tournament."
The win is the first for the Strikers in the tournament since defeating FC Tampa Bay 2-1 in the 2010 US Open Cup. Fort Lauderdale has advanced past their first match in the US Open Cup the last four times they've competed in the tournament.
Aly Hassan scored his first on the night shortly before the halftime whistle. The forward was the quickest to react to a cross from Darnell King that bobbled off a couple of defenders around the six yard box.
Justin Finch equalized the match at 1-1 for the Fuego in the 54th minute. Just three minutes later, Hassan restored the Strikers' lead, scoring the first of six unanswered goals. Scott Lorenz delivered an inswinging free kick to the back post which Hassan headed in to make it 2-1.
The Strikers capitalized on another free kick opportunity in the 61st. From the left side of the box, Mark Anderson beat Gilbert Vera at the near post with a 30 yard free kick. The goal was Anderson's third goal in the last three matches.
Hassan completed his second hat-trick of the season in the 69th minute. Nickardo Blake beat his marker on the right and cut the ball back for Anderson to shoot, however the Englishman's shot was unintentionally blocked by his teammate Hassan. The forward turned and poked the ball past Vega for his sixth goal in all competitions this season.
At 4-1 with just thirteen minutes left, the game looked out of Fresno's reach. Strikers midfielder Walter Restrepo increased the Strikers lead further, rounding the keeper and slotting the ball to the far corner.
Tyler Reinhart pulled a consolation goal back for the Fuego in the 86th, but again the Strikers would bounce back. Polo Morales scored his first two goals of the year in the final minutes of the game, ending the hopes for a Fresno comeback, and setting up a date for the Strikers against the San Jose Earthquakes.
North American Soccer League Stories from May 22, 2012
- Minnesota Stars FC Progress to US Open Cup Third Round - Minnesota United FC
- Sounders to Host Silverbacks After Venue Change - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Scorpions Will Face Houston Dynamo in 3rd Round of U.S. Open Cup - San Antonio Scorpions
- RailHawks Advance to Host La Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup - North Carolina FC
- Strikers Advance in US Open Cup with 7-2 Victory - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks enter in Second Round looking for a win to host L.A. Galaxy - North Carolina FC
- Minnesota Stars FC Set to Take on Des Moines Menace in US Open Cup - Minnesota United FC
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