Strikers Captain Thompson Scores to Defeat RailHawks
Published on September 7, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (SEPT. 7, 2011) - Fort Lauderdale Strikers captain Abe Thompson scored the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to give his team the victory against the NASL-leading Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday, Sept. 07, at Lockhart Stadium. The 1-0 win for the Strikers puts them a point away from clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2006.
"We were active in the second half and we scored a very good goal," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "We were rewarded for the night. You have to give Abe (Thompson) credit. He found a hole and Lance (Laing) fed him the ball."
The goal came on a build-up of play between Strikers midfielders Gerson Mayén and Brian Shriver, who found Laing on the wing. Laing took the pass, ran down the sideline, and crossed it toward a streaking Thompson, who finished it for his fourth of the season. The goal ties him for second on the team with Brian Shriver.
The match was very defensive, with both back lines in good form. The first chance came in the 15th minute when defender Lance Laing ran down the flank and received a through ball from Gerson Mayén. Laing took the chance and fired on goal, but it drifted wide.
There were 30 fouls whistled on the night and four cautions were given, two to each side. Cautions were given to Scott Gordon and Abe Thompson for the Strikers and Nik Zimmerman and Tyler Lassiter for the RailHawks. Following the Lassiter caution, Mike Palacio bent an attacking free kick on goal, but RailHawks goalkeeper Brad Knighton made a diving stop on the play.
The Strikers and the RailHawks both had to play matches on Saturday, Sept. 3, against the Montreal Impact and FC Tampa Bay respectively.
"It was tough playing Saturday and then Wednesday, and we have to go play on a turf field on Sunday in Edmonton. We only need to get one point in three games to get into the playoffs."
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers need one point to clinch a playoff spot. Their remaining matches are away at FC Edmonton, at home against the Atlanta Silverbacks, and on the road at FC Tampa Bay. The RailHawks have clinched a bye in the playoffs, but they can clinch the number one seed with at least one point in their next three matches.
The Strikers travel to Canada to face FC Edmonton on Sept. 11 at 9:30p.m. The final regular season home game will be on September 17 against the Atlanta Silverbacks.
All Strikers games are streamed live online at STRIKERS.com . Tickets are available by calling (954) 606-0400 or by going to STRIKERS.com . Follow the Strikers on facebook and twitter @FTLStrikers.
North American Soccer League Stories from September 7, 2011
- Late Goals Lead to 1-1 Tie - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks Clinch NASL Regular Season Championship - North Carolina FC
- Strikers Captain Thompson Scores to Defeat RailHawks - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Visit Ft. Lauderdale with Eye on NASL Title - North Carolina FC
- FC Tampa Bay Announces Potential 2011 Home Playoff Dates - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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