Strikers Face Midweek Test Against League-Leading Carolina
September 6, 2011 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (SEPTEMBER 6, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (7-10-7, 31 points), who want to improve their league standing after a critical victory against the Montreal Impact on Saturday, face the NASL-leading Carolina RailHawks (17-3-4, 54 points) at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7:30p.m. A Fort Lauderdale victory, combined with a Montreal loss, would give the Strikers their first playoff berth since 2006.
"I think it's good for our guys to get right back on the field and see if they can build on the momentum we got on Saturday against a team, in Carolina, we know is going to be competing for a championship," said head coach Daryl Shore. "We still are trying to get to the third or fourth playoff spot in order to host a first round game, which I think very important."
The Strikers face the RailHawks for the fourth and final time in the regular season. The season series is currently in favor of Carolina, with each team winning the games played at home. Three of Carolina's four losses have come on the road this season. The Strikers have been tough at home recently, winning three of their last four games at Lockhart Stadium. The Strikers defeated Carolina in their previous meeting at Lockhart Stadium 2-1 on Aug. 6.
The trend of different Strikers scoring goals has remained in place for Fort Lauderdale. Most recently it was Gerson Mayén, who scored not only his first goal as a Striker, but his first goal as a professional in the last game against Montreal.
Carolina has won their last three games and are undefeated in four. The RailHawks have scored nine goals in their last four games, led by forwards Etienne Barbara and Pablo Campos who have scored three goals each during the undefeated streak. Carolina goalkeeper Brad Knighton has two shutouts in the streak as well. Knighton is tied for the league lead in goals against average at 0.89 GAA.
Carolina forward Etienne Barbara, the NASL goals leader with 20, will not be available for the game on Wednesday night. Barbara received a red card in the RailHawks previous game against FC Tampa Bay and will be suspended for the game against the Strikers.
If the Strikers defeat the RailHawks and FC Edmonton loses to the Atlanta Silverbacks, Fort Lauderdale would be in sole possession of fourth place in the NASL behind FC Tampa Bay.
"Just getting into the playoffs isn't going to be enough to satisfy us," said Shore. "It would be great to get into the playoffs for the players who put a lot into this season and who's goal is to win a championship."
Nine points separate third place Tampa Bay and seventh place Montreal. A draw would clinch the top seed in the NASL for the RailHawks along with home field advantage in the semi-final and potential final round of the playoffs.
Last Time Out
Fort Lauderdale won 1-0 at home against the MLS-bound Montreal Impact. The Strikers won the season series against the Impact with one win and three ties.
The Strikers scored in the 71st minute when midfielder Gerson Mayén fed a pass back from the top of the penalty area and started a run toward goal. Midfielder Mike Palacio spotted the run and fed an on-side Mayén, who faked out Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush and scored the game-winner. Strikers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser stopped every Montreal attempt to collect his sixth shutout of the season.
Mayén Named Player of the Week
The NASL named Fort Lauderdale Strikers midfielder Gerson Mayén Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. Mayén scored the game-winning goal in the Strikers 1-0 win against the Montreal Impact on Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium.
"I'm very happy to have been named Player of the Week," said Mayén. "I'm happy for the club as well. If it wasn't for my teammates that goal wouldn't have happened. I'm also very thankful for the opportunity I've had here with the Strikers."
Mayén played strongly on offense as well as defense, holding the ball in midfield, making strong passes, and setting up teammates for opportunities. The goal was the first for Mayén as a professional. He is on loan to the Strikers from his MLS club Chivas USA. Mayén is the second Strikers player to be named Offensive Player of the Week after Brian Shriver received the honor earlier in the season.
2011 STAT LEADERS
Appearances: Martyn Lancaster (23)
Starts: Martyn Lancaster (22)
Minutes: Martyn Lancaster (1,883)
Goals: Eduardo Coudet (6)
Assists: Eduardo Coudet (4)
Shots: Brian Shriver (42)
Yellow cards: Eduardo Coudet (7)
Red cards: Lance Laing, Cristian Arrieta, Eduardo Coudet, Abe Thompson (1)
Saves: Matt Glaeser (63)
NEXT UP
The Strikers travel to Canada to face FC Edmonton on September 11 at 9:30p.m. The final regular season home game will be on September 17 against the Atlanta Silverbacks.
All Strikers games are streamed live online at STRIKERS.com . Tickets are available by calling (954) 606-0400 or by going to STRIKERS.com . Follow the Strikers on facebook and twitter @FTLStrikers.
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North American Soccer League Stories from September 6, 2011
- Free Kick Costs Minnesota Stars in 2-1 Loss to FC Tampa Bay - Minnesota United FC
- Silverbacks Come to Town for Fourth and Final Match - FC Edmonton
- Impact Faces Islanders Wednesday in Puerto Rico - Montreal Impact
- Strikers Face Midweek Test Against League-Leading Carolina - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Goalkeeper Evan Bush Named NASL Defensive Player of the Week - Montreal Impact
- NSC Minnesota Stars Add Two Attacking Players to Help in Playoff Push - Minnesota United FC
- Final Round of Silverbacks Uniform Design Contest Begins - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Mayén Named Offensive Player of the Week - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- NSC Minnesota Stars to Take on FC Tampa Bay Tonight - Minnesota United FC
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