Strikers Face RailHawks in NASL Playoffs First Round Saturday
Published on September 27, 2012 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2012) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers open the 2012 NASL Playoffs on the road against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7:00pm at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Fort Lauderdale has two wins and two draws against the RailHawks in 2012. The Strikers began their 2011 playoff run to the NASL Championship Series Final with a 5-0 first round victory against FC Edmonton last season and face a similar road to reach the finals in 2012.
The winner of this single-elimination match advances to the two-game semifinal round which begins Saturday, Oct. 6, at 7:30pm. A Strikers win would see them host either the top-seeded San Antonio Scorpions or second-seed Tampa Bay Rowdies at Lockhart Stadium on Oct. 6.
"We have to be organized defensively against Carolina's potent attack," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "If we defend well we're going to create chances and we have to make the most of them to get a positive result."
The Strikers have drawn twice on the road against the RailHawks with both games finishing tied at 3-3. Dating back to 2011, the Strikers have four wins, two draws and two losses against the RailHawks. This will be the first post-season meeting between the two teams.
"Whenever you have playoffs games, they tend to be lower scoring because the teams tend to take more time to feel each other out," said Shore. "I think we had more of a playoff mentality in the most recent game we played against them. That being said, we've had some crazy games up there, but I think both teams will be concerned with taking care of their defensive responsibilities."
In the most recent meeting on Aug. 11, Fort Lauderdale defeated Carolina 1-0, with the lone goal coming from veteran forward Andy Herron. The shutout was goalkeeper Matt Glaeser's fifth of 2012.
Both Glaeser and Carolina goalkeeper Ray Burse could see much more action than usual. The RailHawks and Strikers scored 44 and 40 goals respectively in 2012, good for second and third most in the NASL. Only the San Antonio Scorpions scored more (46).
"We feel like we match up well against Carolina, and I'm sure they feel the same way about us," said Shore. "We're not going to look back at past results, this is the playoffs so we're going in there to win the game and come back to continue our season at Lockhart next Saturday."
Strikers Playoff Watch Party, Saturday, Sept. 29, at Duffy's Sports Grill
The Strikers Watch Party at Duffy's Sports Grill in Fort Lauderdale will officially begin one hour prior to the game at 6pm, and will be held on the Strikers Sundeck at the restaurant.
As a special for all fans attending the watch party, 2012 team merchandise will be available for purchase on site and will be on sale for 20% off.
Should the Strikers win Saturday's match, tickets for the game on Oct. 6 will be available for purchase in person at Duffy's as well as at the First Annual Las Olas Oktoberfest at the Riverside Hotel Lawn hosted by Fritz & Franz Bierhaus. The Oktoberfest is taking place all weekend from 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 10pm on Sunday.
Duffy's Sports Grill is located at 1804 Cordova Road in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
The Strikers ticket office is available by calling (954) 606-0400 or by going to Strikers.com . Follow the Strikers on Facebook and twitter @FTLStrikers . All Strikers NASL games are broadcast live online at Strikers.com/live
North American Soccer League Stories from September 27, 2012
- Rowdies Earn Second Consecutive Fair Play Award - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Strikers Face RailHawks in NASL Playoffs First Round Saturday - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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