Strikers Concede Late Equalizer to FC Edmonton in Home Draw
July 11, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale Strikers Forward Stefano Pinho vs. FC Edmonton's Kareem Moses (12) and Albert Watson (5)
(Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Credit: Jon van Woerden / Fort Lauderdale Strikers)
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 11, 2015) - The Strikers played FC Edmonton to a 1-1 tie on Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium as Günter Kronsteiner made his return to Fort Lauderdale for his second stint as head coach of the club in front of 3,816 fans in attendance.
Kronsteiner had to settle for a single point as FC Edmonton mustered an equalizer in the closing mintes of the match. The Strikers remain unbeaten 0-2-0 (W-T-L) to start the Fall Season.
"Certain things on the field do not turn out like you want it," Kronsteiner said. "We have to be more careful in the back. We didn't step up in the last 10 minutes of the game."
Strikers midfielder Walter Ramirez opened the scoring on a penalty kick in the 68th minute after substitute Shawn Chin was hauled down in the box by Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel. Chin came on the field seven minutes earlier. VanOekel guessed correctly to his right on Ramirez' attempt, but the well-placed shot flew past the outstretched arms of the Edmonton custodian.
It was the second goal for the Strikers from the penalty spot this year. Léo Moura converted against Jacksonville on April 11.
Fort Lauderdale appeared to have the three points in the bag, until tough luck hit goalkeeper Josh Ford in the 87th minute. A long-range shot by Edmonton's Sadi Jalali cannoned off the bottom left post and rebounded off the diving goalkeeper and into the net for the tying goal.
After an uneventful first half when the game was rather physical -- FC Edmonton committed 10 fouls while the Strikers had eight -- the game opened up in the second half.
Marlon Freitas stung the palms of VanOekel with a rocket from 25 yards in the 54th minute of play.
A prime scoring opportunity for the Strikers came early in the second minute with the first shot on goal. It was PC with a one-timer that was too central and VanOekel retained.
Fort Lauderdale is now 8-6-4 (W-T-L) in the all-time series against FC Edmonton.
-----
The Red & Gold are back at home next Saturday (July 18) when they host Atlanta Silverbacks at Lockhart Stadium at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Tickets are available at Strikers.com.
First half:
1': As the Public Address announcer introduced Kronsteiner, the song "Welcome Back (Theme from 'Welcome Back Kotter') song by John Sebastian serenaded the returning coach, who recieved a warm reception from the home crowd.
2' PC with the first shot of the match on goal, but straight to Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel.
16' Strikers midfielder Walter Ramirez is issued a yellow card for a hard foul.
18' Sadi Jalali heads the ball wide of the far post after a cross by Johann Smith.
27' Kareem Moses takes a shot for Edmonton that goes wide.
30' Ramirez swings a free kick from the right side with Karsten Smith just missing on the connection.
31' Jalali hits the target, but Josh Ford makes the save.
32' FC Edmonton's Michael Nonni is shown the yellow card for a rough foul.
39' Nonni has attempt on goal from the edge of the box on the right side, but it's straight into Ford's arms.
45' + 1 From more than 30- yards out, Manny Gonzalez directs a free kick on goal that deflects off the wall before VanOekel is able to cover the ball.
Second half:
47' Smith with a cross from the left wing to Thiago De Freitas whose left footed one-timer is directed wide of the frame.
54' Marlon Freitas with a bomb of a shot from 25 yards out on target, with VanOekel making the save.
66' Shawn Chin is taken down in the box by VanOekel and referee Daniel Fitzgerald points to the spot.
68' FTL 1-0: Ramirez takes the penalty shot and scores to the right side of VanOekel who guessed correctly but could not reach the ball.
85' Kareem Moses nearly hits the target for Edmonton, but his header misses just wide of the far post.
86' EDM 1-1: Sadi Jalali takes a long-range shot that hits the left post, the ball bounces back into a stretched out Josh Ford who was on the ground after diving to try and make the save. But the ball bounced back into the net off Ford's back of the hand for Edmonton's equalizer.
90' Final is 1-1.
Images from this story
 Fort Lauderdale Strikers defender Frankie Sanfilippo vs. FC Edmonton's Allan Zebie (Jon van Woerden / Fort Lauderdale Strikers) |
 Fort Lauderdale Strikers Forward Stefano Pinho vs. FC Edmonton's Kareem Moses (12) and Albert Watson (5) (Jon van Woerden / Fort Lauderdale Strikers) |
North American Soccer League Stories from July 11, 2015
- Fury FC Earn Hard Fought Road Point Extending Unbeaten Streak to Seven Games - Ottawa Fury FC
- Indy Eleven Stretches Undefeated Streak to Five Games with 2-1 Win over Carolina RailHawks - Indy Eleven
- Strikers Concede Late Equalizer to FC Edmonton in Home Draw - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota United Settles for 1-1 Draw with Ottawa Fury - Minnesota United FC
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Blanked 3-0 in San Antonio - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- RailHawks Fall to Indy Eleven on Road - North Carolina FC
- Resilient Eddies Earn Hard-Fought Draw against Strikers - FC Edmonton
- Silverbacks Silence Armada in Home Opener - Atlanta Silverbacks
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.
