Strikers in China Preseason Schedule Announced
February 26, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The opponents and dates of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers friendly matches in China were announced by the club today. In total, the Strikers will face four opponents during the two-week trip abroad.
The Strikers open the tour on Wednesday, March 2, in Jinan with a scrimmage against Chinese Super League opponent Shandong Luneng at 2 p.m. local time (1 a.m. ET). The side is coached by former Brazil national team boss Mano Menezes and features a number of talented international players including Diego Tardelli, Walter Montillo, and Jucilei.
Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan province, will host two of the Strikers matches. Fort Lauderdale will face third-division sides Chengdu Qianbao on Saturday, March 5, and Sichuan Longfa on Thursday, March 10.
The preseason tour will conclude on March 13 with a fixture against Beijing Qihang. The full schedule can be found below.
Full #StrikersInChina Preseason Tour Schedule
Wed., March 2 vs. Shandong Luneng 2 p.m. CST (1 a.m. EST)
Sat., March 5 vs. Chengdu Qianbao 3:30 p.m. CST (2:30 a.m. EST)
Thurs., March 10 vs. Sichuan Longfa 5 p.m. CST (4 a.m. EST)
Sun., March 13 vs. Beijing Qihang 9:30 a.m. CST (9:30 p.m. EDT)
Detailed information regarding the streaming of matches will be communicated on a game-by-game basis. China Standard Time (CST) is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), and 12 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
The Strikers are the first North American Soccer League (NASL) team to visit China in nearly four decades. The Strikers will embark on the trip on Sunday, February 28.
While in China, the club and part owner Ronaldo will take part in the ceremonial openings of R9 Academies.
On March 6, the Strikers will host a tryout in Mianyang. Head Coach and General Manager Caio Zanardi will select one tryout participant to earn a contract with the club.
The hashtag #StrikersInChina will be utilized by the club across social media platforms.
The Strikers open the 2016 NASL season on April 2 against Miami FC at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Season tickets are on sale now on Strikers.com.
North American Soccer League Stories from February 26, 2016
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- Armada Prime for Test with Red Bulls - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Strikers in China Preseason Schedule Announced - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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