Strikers Look for Another Three Points in Atlanta
Published on May 20, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (MAY 19, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will be on the road to face the Atlanta Silverbacks for the second time this season. On Saturday, May 21st the Strikers take on the Silverbacks at Silverbacks Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
This is the Strikers only road game before a three game home stand that will feature the Montreal Impact, Puerto Rico Islanders, and NSC Minnesota Stars. The Strikers return home on Saturday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m. to square off against the Impact.
"We know the game is going to be hard because they're looking for their first win and we have to go in there with the proper mindset knowing that this game will not be an easy game," said Strikers Head Coach Daryl Shore.
About the Strikers
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are coming off an unexpected week and a half break. Their May 14th match against in-state rival FC Tampa Bay was rescheduled due to lightning and dangerous weather conditions. The Strikers organization is urging its fans to redeem their tickets for the postponed match by emailing the team at 'makeitrain@strikers.com.' By doing this, each fan will receive an extra ticket to the rescheduled FC Tampa Bay match on June 28th at Lockhart Stadium.
Strikers right-back, Martyn Lancaster will be making a return to Atlanta, his former team. Lancaster was a part of the Silverbacks before joining Miami FC in 2008. Uruguayan Forward, Martin Nunez looks to continue his impact against the Silverbacks. In the April 23rd matchup, Martin scored a goal against the Silverbacks in the 14th minute, his first of the season.
About Atlanta
The Atlanta Silverbacks are looking to pick up their first win this season. The Silverbacks have not had the best of luck this season, losing two games on 90th minute goals, one coming against the Strikers, April 23rd. Their most recent game ended in a 3 -0 loss at NSC Minnesota Stars. Atlanta looks to bounce back and earn their first victory.
Up and coming Players
Patrick Otte and David Santamaria, ages 19 and 20 respectively, each scored their first professional goals in the Strikers' game against the Carolina RailHawks. Otte opened the game's scoring in the 8th minute by executing a precise half volley, burying it into the far corner of the net. Santamaria gave the Strikers life late in the game by finishing a long through ball after a well-timed run behind the defense.
Last Time Out
Revenge is sure to be on Atlanta's mind as the previous meeting of the two teams was decided in stoppage time on a game-winning penalty kick by the Strikers. The 90th minute penalty kick by Eduardo "Chacho" Coudet put the Strikers ahead in the dying moments to give them their first victory.
Fort Lauderdale scored first in the 14th minute as Martin Nunez chipped the ball over Atlanta's goalkeeper, Felipe Quintero. Aaron Wheeler assisted on the goal as he controlled a Paulinho pass and then played it down into the path of Nunez for the chip. The goal is Nunez's first of the season.
Minutes later, Atlanta's Mario Perez launched violent shot from just outside the box past Strikers keeper Nic Platter. Once the score was leveled, the Silverbacks and the Strikers exchanged opportunities throughout the rest of the half.
You can watch Saturday's game and all Fort Lauderdale Strikers' away games LIVE on www.strikers.com/live. You can also follow the match real time on Twitter @FTLStrikers.
North American Soccer League Stories from May 20, 2011
- Strikers Look for Another Three Points in Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Seek 4th Straight Win Saturday - North Carolina FC
- Impact Faces FC Tampa Bay Saturday in Florida - Montreal Impact
- Dark Clouds Building - Minnesota United FC
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