Strikers Held to Goalless Draw against Minnesota
August 31, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
LAUDERHILL, Fla. (Wednesday) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were held 0-0 by Minnesota United FC at Central Broward Stadium in an exciting midweek North American Soccer League (NASL) tilt. Both sides had multiple chances but ultimately neither team could find the back of the net and split the points. Fort Lauderdale is now unbeaten in its last four league matches stretching back to a 2-0 win against Miami FC on August 13.
The Strikers had two excellent chances to score in the first half. The first came in minute 27 when Paulo Jr played a ball through to Adrianinho, but the Brazilian missed by inches. In minute 41, Paulo Jr. played another ball to Adrianinho but the shot was saved by Minnesota Goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock.
Minnesota's Christian Ramirez, the NASL's leading goal scorer and Jamie Watson both had excellent chances for the Loons in the first half. Watson's effort in minute 30 beat Strikers goalkeeper Bruno, but rattled the crossbar before being cleared.
In the second half, both sides exchanged chances with Luis Felipe having the best Fort Lauderdale chance. The midfielder put an effort on target which Ndjock got a finger to and cleared off the crossbar. Minnesota's best second half opportunity came when Bruno made a diving save on a free kick from Jack Blake in minute 53.
Fort Lauderdale had 12 attempts on goal and four shots on target on the night, but the Strikers ended the match frustrated with the draw.
"Minnesota's keeper had two excellent saves. This is how it goes in soccer. We could have played all night and not had a winner. We have two important games coming at home versus the Cosmos and Indy Eleven. Our team continues to stay highly motivated as we continue in this critical stretch," said Strikers Head Coach and General Manager Caio Zanardi.
Following the draw, the Fort Lauderdale remains six points behind Minnesota for the fourth and final spot in the NASL postseason. The Strikers face the New York Cosmos at Central Broward Stadium at 7pm on Saturday September 3.
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North American Soccer League Stories from August 31, 2016
- Strikers Held to Goalless Draw against Minnesota - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Indy Eleven Downed at New York Cosmos, 3-0 - Indy Eleven
- United Draws 0-0 in Fort Lauderdale, Gets Third Shutout in Four Games - Minnesota United FC
- Minnesota United Shoots to Finish Florida Road Trip on High Note Tonight in Fort Lauderdale - Minnesota United FC
- FC Edmonton's Nicklaw Named to NASL Team of the Week - FC Edmonton
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