Strikers Fall to New York Red Bulls
Published on February 26, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (February 26, 2011)- The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played their first pre-season match of the 2011 season today as they hosted the MLS side New York Red Bulls. The Strikers conceded one goal in both halves to drop the decision 2-0 to a talented New York team.
The Red Bulls opened up the scoring in the 2nd minute of the match when Thierry Henry pounced on cross from the wing and calmly slotted the ball past Strikers' goalkeeper Nic Platter. The Strikers responded quickly after allowing the early goal with several counter attacks out of the back but couldn't find the net.
"I felt our players responded well to the early goal, considering it was our first preseason game and we've only been in camp four days. With that being said it was great to see so many fans at our first preseason match and we would like to see them again in the near future." said Strikers Coach Daryl Shore.
Later in the first half, there was a controversial non-penalty decision when Strikers' forward Aaron Wheeler went down in the penalty area with no call toward the end of the first half. Bryan Arguez nearly leveled the scoring when his shot from 13 yards out narrowly missed the crossbar.
New York midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy doubled the Red Bull's advantage midway through the second half with a blazing run from the left wing and then beating Strikers' goalkeeper Matt Glaeser at the far post.
Even with the Red Bull's roster of star players, the Strikers still held a large portion of possession and as well as multiple scoring chances in both halves of today's friendly. The Strikers will look to build on this game as they continue their preseason preparations into March.
The Red Bulls showed why they are one of the top teams in MLS with a great display from their superstars- including Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez, and Juan Agudelo. However, the Strikers' showed off their top talents, as they were able to hold their own defensively against the Red Bulls.
The Strikers begin their regular season on April 9th as they host Edmonton FC at Lockhart Stadium.
North American Soccer League Stories from February 26, 2011
- Impact Bested by Sporting Kansas City 2-0 - Montreal Impact
- Strikers Fall to New York Red Bulls - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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