Strikers Claim 3-0 Win in Preseason Scrimmage
Published on February 15, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - First-half goals from debutants Matheus Carvalho and Jean Alexandre paved the way for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to earn a 3-0 victory against the Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) All Stars in a preseason scrimmage at Lockhart Stadium.
A goal by Maicon Santos in the second half ensured a first preseason win for the hosts in 2016.
Preseason continues for the Red & Gold with a trip to China at the end the month. Co-owner Ronaldo will join the Strikers as the club plays number of friendly matches and hosts a tryout for Chinese players on its 14-day tour, starting on February 28.
The scrimmage was billed as a community-building event as the Strikers looked to strengthen their relationship with South Florida's Caribbean community. On the field, the Strikers had to earn their victory against a resolute CASA All Star side.
A strong defensive showing from the CASA All Stars blanked the Strikers as the sides looked to be heading into the locker rooms scoreless at the half. The defense was finally breached on the stroke of halftime when Carvalho, making his unofficial debut for the club, scored on a long-range effort.
Before the CASA All Stars had a chance to blink, Jean Alexandre doubled the Strikers' advantage with another goal from outside the 18 yard box. Brazilian playmaker Adrianinho delicately played the ball back for the Haitian to smash a shot from distance into the back of the net with just seconds remaining in the first half.
Maicon Santos made it 3-0 early in the second half when he converted from the penalty spot after Carvalho drew a foul from the goalkeeper.
Like Carvalho, 17 year-old goalkeeper Matias Reynares made his unofficial debut for the club, keeping a clean sheet. The young goalkeeper was forced into making a big play midway through the first half when his slide tackle outside the box on an onrushing forward stopped a counter-attacking goal.
Giuseppe Gentile and Luis Felipe Fernandes also saw their first minutes of preseason action after missing the first month of training with injuries.
The match also saw all three players selected from the Strikers' open tryout in January take the field. Midfielders Matias Solari and David Ochoa looked lively in their cameo appearances, while goalkeeper Luke Edgecombe stole the headlines with a penalty kick save in second-half stoppage time to preserve the shutout.
Fort Lauderdale was previously 0-1-3 (W-T-L) in preseason matches. In January, the club faced world-class opponents FC Schalke 04 and Independiente Santa Fe in the Florida Cup before lining up against Corinthians and FC Shakhtar Donetsk in friendly games.
The 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season kicks off on April 2 at Lockhart Stadium when the Fort Lauderdale Strikers host regional rival Miami FC. Tickets are on sale now on Strikers.com .
North American Soccer League Stories from February 15, 2016
- Strikers Claim 3-0 Win in Preseason Scrimmage - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Armada FC Owner and CEO Mark Frisch to Manage Club's Day-To-Day Operations - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Fury FC Announce Multi-Year Partnership with adidas - Ottawa Fury FC
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