Strikers Earn Second Consecutive Shutout
Published on May 28, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (MAY 28, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers earned their second consecutive shutout Saturday night against the Montreal Impact. The Lockhart Stadium crowd of 4,755 saw the Strikers play the Impact to a 0-0 draw. This point at home makes the Strikers unbeaten in six out of the last seven games. The Strikers play at home again Saturday, June 4th against the Puerto Rico Islanders in the second game of a four game home stand.
"We had our second shutout tonight and that's definitely a positive," said Head Coach Daryl Shore. "Defensively we're playing well and now we have to keep going. Now the expectations are three home games to try and get nine points. At the end of the day we need points and we have to figure out a way to get them.
Both teams held possession for parts of the first half, counter attacking each other on different occasions. The Strikers' first shot came in the 15th minute after a build up of play from the midfield. Montreal pressed deep into Strikers' territory, but the Striker counter-attack was on.
Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet showed offensive presence, attempting chip shots multiple times and came very close to scoring the opening goal. In the 41st minute, midfielder Patrick Otte received a caution for a rough tackle near the sideline. The half ended 0 - 0 with both teams coming close to taking the lead.
The second 45 minutes showed more action from both teams, in the offensive and defensive ends. Montreal came out strong, with Idriss Ech Cherqui trying a half volley into the top left corner of the goal. The shot rattled the crossbar and bounced out for a Strikers' clearance.
Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser showed poise in front of goal, stopping several Impact attacks, keeping the shutout alive. Coudet showed his playmaking abilities in the 70th minute as he chipped the Impact defense to forward Martin Nunez. Nunez brought down the ball and volleyed it at goal, but it sailed high.
Toward the end of the match, the Montreal Impact began to operate more defensively, dropping a lot of players into defense and holding out for the draw. The Strikers provided the attacking play, pressing high and wide to send in crosses.
Patrick Otte continued his influence in the game, shooting at goal several times. In the 76th minute, Otte received the ball wide and cut in. After breaking into the 18-yard-box, he took a shot and it rolled wide left of the goal. The game ended with a Lance Laing caution in the 88th minute for a foul on a streaking Impact player.
This result puts the Strikers record at 1-5-2 and the Montreal Impact goes to 1-4-2. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers next game is at home against the Puerto Rico Islanders Saturday June 4th at 7:30 p.m. Earlier in the season these two teams played to a 2-2 tie in Puerto Rico. For tickets to the Strikers' next home game, call the front office at (954) 606-0400.
North American Soccer League Stories from May 28, 2011
- Goalkeeping the Story as NSC Minnesota and FC Tampa Bay Play Scoreless Tie - Minnesota United FC
- Both Goalkeepers Keep Clean Sheets as Stars and FC Tampa Bay Tie 0-0 - Minnesota United FC
- Impact end two-game losing streak - Montreal Impact
- Strikers Earn Second Consecutive Shutout - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Pair Of Late Goals Down Silverbacks - Atlanta Silverbacks
- RailHawks Set Club Record with 5th Straight Win - North Carolina FC
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