Strikers Defeat Ottawa 2-0 at Lockhart Stadium
Published on April 12, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers defeated Ottawa Fury 2-0 in the opening match of the 2014 NASL season in front of 3,105 fans at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The Strikers led for majority of the match on an early goal from Rafael Alves before Darnell King ensured the Strikers claimed all three points with a late strike in the second half.
The game started at a fast pace in the first-ever meeting between the two sides. Neither side was too familiar with their opponent but both teams looked to attack the opposition and get on the board first.
It took Alves just 13 minutes to score the first goal of the 2014 NASL season. The big Brazilian found himself unmarked at the back post on Anderson's driven low freekick. He slid home for his first goal for the Strikers in 15 appearances.
Strikers goalkeeper Oka Nikolov was very active in his Strikers debut. The German-born goalkeeper was one of the main acquisitions by the Strikers in the 2014 offseason and finished his first match with the Strikers with four key saves.
Chris Nurse went close to doubling the Strikers' lead with a header at the end of the first half. His effort went just wide of the post. Richie Ryan had a chance to level the score on the stroke of halftime but was denied by Nikolov.
With Alves forced off with an injury at the halftime interval, Justin Chavez moved back into defense and substitute Manny Gonzalez stepped into midfield. The Strikers came out of the dressing rooms the stronger side and pressed for a second goal.
The insurance goal finally came in the 80th minute on a Strikers counter attack through King. Ottawa were exposed at the back after throwing numbers forward and a smart through ball from Marius Ebbers found King surging down the right. The right back attempted to unselfishly play a square ball to Anderson inside the box, but the low cross was cut out by Fury FC goalkeeper Devala Gorrick. King pounced on the loose ball and sent a vicious effort into the back of the net.
With the win, the Strikers claim first place in the NASL standings.
North American Soccer League Stories from April 12, 2014
- Minnesota United FC Beats San Antonio Scorpions 2-0 in Season Opener - Minnesota United FC
- NASL 2014 Season Kickoff Summary - NASL
- Eddies Kick off 2014 with a Draw - FC Edmonton
- Strikers Defeat Ottawa 2-0 at Lockhart Stadium - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Carolina RailHawks' Mike Ambersley Bags First-ever Indy Eleven Goal, but Sellout Crowd Forced to Set - Indy Eleven
- RailHawks Earn Draw on the Road - North Carolina FC
- Rowdies and FC Edmonton Draw 1-1 on Opening Night - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Download The Official North American Soccer League App - NASL
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