Strikers Defeat Indy Eleven at Home 3-2
April 26, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers moved up to third place in the NASL standings following a 3-2 victory against Indy Eleven in a thrilling match at Lockhart Stadium Saturday night.
An early goal from Strikers winger Martin Nuñez was canceled out on a penalty kick from Kleberson in a fast and furious opening 45 minutes. Second half goals from FafàPicault and Marius Ebbers proved the difference while a late strike from Indy Eleven's Erick Norales was merely a consolation.
The Strikers took it to Indy Elven from the opening whistle and got on the board in just the eighth minute. Carlos Salazar spotted Nuñez on the left side of the box. Some tricky footwork from the Uruguayan created just enough space for a hard, right-footed shot that went past Kristian Nicht in the Indy Eleven goal.
Indy Eleven were on the back foot following the goal, but equalized after a bit of good fortune. The Strikers were called for a handball in the box and Kleberson stepped up to take the penalty kick. Oka Nikolov guessed correctly on the shot, but the Brazilian's effort was perfectly placed in the bottom right corner.
Indy were encouraged by the goal and stepped up the attack. Mike Ambersley had a chance go wide after a Strikers giveaway in midfield. Moments later Mark Anderson let rip from distance but a strong hand from Nicht prevented the Strikers from taking the lead.
The visitors had a chance to go ahead at the end of the half but were denied on a goal-line clearance from Justin Chavez. Mike Ambersley pounced on a rebound after Oka Nikolov had raced out of his box to deny an onrushing Indy attacker. Ambersley's first-time effort was hard and low, but Chavez was on the line to make the goal-saving block.
Substitutions proved the difference for the Strikers in the search for a winning goal. FafÃÂ Picault's introduction injected pace down the right flank. The pacey winger was on hand to head home a pinpoint cross from Guerrero for his first goal in Strikers colors, giving the Strikers a 2-1 advantage.
Guerrero, who led the Strikers in assists last season, moved up to top of the list this season with two on the night. Minutes after Picault's goal, German forward Marius Ebbers got on the end of Guerrero's cross from the left to double the hosts lead. It was the forward's first goal for the Strikers.
The Eleven struck in stoppage time through defender Erick Norales, but it was too little too late as the referee blew the final whistle on the restart.
"We are very proud of our guys' performance," said Strikers head cach G-nter Kronsteiner. "Indy has a great team; they came in with two ties against two very good teams, so to get a win against this team is a great accomplishment."
The Strikers next travel to FC Edmonton on May 3rd at 9:00 p.m. The Strikers next home match is on Saturday May 10th against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Tickets for all Strikers home games are available at www.strikers.com or by calling 954-606-0400.
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North American Soccer League Stories from April 26, 2014
- FC Edmonton Suffer Road Loss to Minnesota United FC - FC Edmonton
- Kleberson Opens His Eleven Account from the Spot, but Late Erick Norales Tally Leaves Comeback One G - Indy Eleven
- Minnesota United FC Surges to the Top of the North American Soccer League Table Following Week 3 Mat - NASL
- Strikers Defeat Indy Eleven at Home 3-2 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota Edges the Eddies 1-0 in 2014 Home Opener - Minnesota United FC
- Rowdies Suffer First Defeat of the Season Losing 3-1 against Atlanta Silverbacks - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Silverbacks Knock off Rowdies, 3-1 - Atlanta Silverbacks
- San Antonio Scorpions Defeat New York Cosmos 1-0 - San Antonio Scorpions
- RailHawks Defeated in Ottawa - North Carolina FC
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