Strikers Begin Home Stand with Match Against MLS-Bound Montreal
May 27, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (MAY 27, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will begin a three-match home stand that will commence with hosting the Montreal Impact this Saturday, May 28th, at Lockhart Stadium at 7:30 PM.
"We know Montreal is going to be a tough opponent regardless of their record. We feel like we're playing well defensively, but now we have to do a better job in the attacking part of the field and we need to create some goals to be able to create a result."
Before the Strikers take the field, there will be a Champions League Final Watch Party at 2:00 PM at Champps Americana Restaurant (6401 North Andrews Avenue). Fans will receive 20% off their check by showing their Strikers-Montreal game ticket. At 5:00 PM, the Striker-Likers will journey in a convoy to the stadium for the subsequent tailgate party.
ABOUT THE STRIKERS
After one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season against FC Tampa Bay resulting in a rainout, the Strikers were able to earn a draw against the Atlanta Silverbacks one week later with a final score of 0-0, putting the Strikers' season record at 1-2-4 with 7 points.
In the last match, the Strikers were able to control the first half of the match with great possession of the ball, but missed opportunities and wide shots by Forward Aaron Wheeler and Midfielder Mike Palacio kept the game scoreless. In the end, the Strikers were able to scratch out a point on the road against the Silverbacks.
ABOUT THE IMPACT
Last match, Montreal was shut out on the road against the Strikers' cross-state rival, FC Tampa Bay, 3-0. Tampa started the scoring barrage in the 40th minute with a bullet from Forward Warren Ukah that struck the back of the net. Montreal Midfielder Leonardo DiLorenzo was ejected at the 72nd minute after stopping the ball with his hand on the goal line. In the NASL, the Impact is 1-4-1 with 4 points. Impact Striker Ali Gerba has been selected by the Canadian National Team to play in the 11th edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, from June 5 to June 25, in the United States. This will mark the fourth time in his career he will make an appearance in the Gold Cup.
SOLID BACKLINE
Two months into the 2011 season it is the Fort Lauderdale defense that is making an impression on the South Florida community. Strikers Defender Cristian Arrieta has shown lately why he was named back-to-back USL First Division Defender of the Year in 2008 and 2009 with a formidable defensive attack so far thus season.
Defenders Aaron Hohlbein and Martyn Lancaster have made their presence felt as they have now solidified the backline and started every game thus far, forming an intimidating last line of defense on the field for the Strikers. It will up to these three leaders to stop Montreal's team-leading scorers Idriss Ech Chergui and Ali Gerba.
North American Soccer League Stories from May 27, 2011
- Strikers Begin Home Stand with Match Against MLS-Bound Montreal - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Impact Faces Fort Lauderdale Strikers Saturday in Florida - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks, Silverbacks Renew Rivalry Saturday - North Carolina FC
- RailHawks Announce 4 New Youth Soccer Parternships - North Carolina FC
- NSC Minnesota Stars Look to Rebound Saturday Against FC Tampa Bay - Minnesota United FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
