Strikers Come up Short in Slim Defeat to Florida Rival
April 30, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Facing traditional in-state rival Tampa Bay Rowdies, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers failed to make the most of numerous opportunities, falling 1-0 at Lockhart Stadium.
The loss was the Strikers' first to the Rowdies at home since April 2013. Fort Lauderdale continues to look for their first win of the North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season.
Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens put in a man-of-the-match performance while teammate Neill Collins scored the lone goal of the game with a close-range header late in the second half.
The Strikers controlled the first half with the majority of possession and opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. Fort Lauderdale squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead just before halftime when forward Maicon Santos, who scored in both of his previous two matches, missed a penalty kick. His effort sent Pickens the wrong way, but grazed the outside of the right post as the match remained scoreless heading into the halftime interval.
Jose Angulo also had a good scoring chance with a half volley in the 23rd minute when his shot from close range was blocked by Pickens.
Fort Lauderdale was not discouraged by the penalty miss and came out on the attack in the second half.
Substitute Matheus Carvalho had a shot from outside the box that missed wide to the far post in the 67th minute. PC also found a good opportunity ten minutes from time when his effort from distance was denied by Pickens.
Looking for a late equalizer, Luis Felipe Fernandes had a header on target in stoppage time, but again Pickens was able to cover the ball.
Given the usual intensity of this derby, the match was physical throughout -- featuring nine yellow cards combined. Visiting Tampa Bay was hit for five cautions, while the Strikers picked up four. The Rowdies were also whistled for 20 fouls and the Strikers committed 19.
Fort Lauderdale's record is now 0-2-2 (W-T-L) on the season.
The Strikers hit the road for their next match against the first-place Carolina RailHawks on May 7 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 30, 2016
- Indy Eleven Wins Second Straight to Stay Unbeaten in Week 5 Action - NASL
- Indy Eleven Remains Undefeated with 2-1 Road Win at Rayo OKC - Indy Eleven
- Collins Lifts Tampa Bay Rowdies to 1-0 Road Win over Strikers - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Strikers Come up Short in Slim Defeat to Florida Rival - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Fury FC Triumphant in Return to TD Place - Ottawa Fury FC
- Miami FC Fall 2-0 to Ottawa Fury - Miami FC
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