Strikers Earn Comeback Draw against RailHawks
Published on May 2, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 2, 2012) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2W-3T-1L) earned a come from behind draw on the road against the Carolina RailHawks (0W-4T-2L) by a final score of 3-3 on Wednesday night. The Strikers earn their first point at WakeMed Soccer Park in franchise history and move into second place in the NASL standings with nine points.**
"We're happy for the point and that's the most important thing," said Strikers defender Lance Laing. "Last year we came here twice and didn't get a point, but it's a new season."
Laing scored the Strikers first goal of the match on a free kick in the 61st minute. The ball was 30 yards from goal and Laing curled a powerful shot over the wall and inside the near post. The goal cut the RailHawks lead to 2-1 after Carolina goals from former Striker Brian Shriver in the first half and Nick Zimmerman in the second minute of the second half.
Carolina would take a 3-1 lead in the 65th minute when Nick Zimmerman again found himself in front of goal. He had his first attempt saved, but collected the rebound and fired the goal past Matt Glaeser.
The Strikers pulled to within one goal when second half substitute Darnell King made a long run into the penalty area and laid an excellent pass off to Walter Restrepo who shot high and away from the reach of RailHawks goalkeeper Ray Burse.
King would have to be substituted in the 73rd minute with an apparent hamstring injury. His replacement, Mark Anderson, would be the difference maker for the Strikers. In the 77th minute, Anderson collected a Walter Restrepo pass near the top right corner of the box and sent a curling shot over the diving hand of Burse and into the far corner of the goal to tie the match at 3-3.
"The last goal was unbelievable," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "We're just happy to get out of here with a point."
North American Soccer League Stories from May 2, 2012
- RailHawks Tie in Flurry of Second Half Goals - North Carolina FC
- Strikers Earn Comeback Draw against RailHawks - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Comes to Lockhart Stadium - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers - North Carolina FC
- Rowdies Sign F/M Evans Frimpong - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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