Strikers Look to Knock off Defending Champions
Published on June 3, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (JUNE 3, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers take on the Puerto Rico Islanders in the second of their three-game home stand Saturday, June 4th, at Lockhart Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The Strikers have been unbeaten in six of their last seven matches.
"We obviously know that we've been struggling to score goals. We're still going to defend properly and look to get numbers forward to try to create more chances which will hopefully lead to more goal scoring," said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
The Strikers are coming off a 0 - 0 draw against the MLS-bound Montreal Impact. It was their second straight shutout this season.
ABOUT THE STRIKERS
After playing their third home game this season, the Strikers earned one point against the Montreal Impact, pressing for the full three points while Montreal sat and defended. The crowd of 4,755 left knowing the Strikers earned points.
The Strikers were able to more than double Montreal's shot output, taking 10 to the Impact's four. The team's best chances came on close misses from an Eduardo Coudet chip from just outside the 18-yard box and a Martin Nunez volley inside the box.
MID-WEEK CONCACAF ACTION
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers held two closed-door friendlies against Gold Cup-bound Panama and Guadaloupe on Wednesday, June 1st. The Strikers fielded split-squads against both Panama and Guadaloupe. Assistant Coach Jim Rooney coached the squad against Panama while Head Coach Daryl Shore flew to Guadaloupe to lead the other group of players.
The Panama National Team came to Fort Lauderdale Stadium to play against the Strikers and played to a 1 - 1 draw. Panamanian International Blas Perez opened up the scoring in the 38th minute, putting Panama ahead with a brilliant finish inside the box. The Strikers equalized in the second half after a great build-up play from Paulinho Le Petit. Eduardo Coudet received a pass and fed Jean Philippe Peguero, who finished home the equalizer.
Just hours later, the Strikers squared off against the Gold Cup-bound Guadaloupe senior national team on the remote island of Guadaloupe. Up-and-coming South Florida native David Santamaria provided the only goal for the match. After a nice build-up, midfielder Grant Kerr fired a shot on goal from outside the 18-yard box. The Guadaloupe goalie parried it, but Santamaria was there to score on the rebound. Kerr coming back off an injury is good news for the Strikers.
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS
The Puerto Rico Islanders played to a 1 - 1 draw Wednesday, June 1st at home against the NSC Minnesota Stars. Both teams played through a hot, wet night.
The Islanders dominated possession in the first half. Forward Nicholas Addlery had a chance in the 39th minute finishing his third goal of the season. Jonathan Faña continued to provide offensive presence, having two chances in the first half but coming up short. Midway through the second half, Stars forward Simone Bracalello curled home a 20-yard shot to even the score at 1 - 1.
PUERTO RICO, CHAMPIONS OF THE CARIBBEAN
After beating Walking Boyz Co of Suriname and Alpha United FC. The Puerto Rico Islanders faced Tempete FC of Haiti in the Caribbean Football Union Championship. After finishing regular time tied 1 - 1, Jonathan Faña scored two goals to seal the victory and secure back to back CFU Championships. The victory qualifies the Islanders to compete in the CONCACAF Champions League representing the NASL.
PITCHING A SHUT-OUT
Starting Goalkeeper Matt Glaeser has been a shining star for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. In his three starts, Glaeser has only allowed one goal, a last minute free-kick to Simone Bracalello of NSC Minnesota Stars.
Since then, the star goalie has recorded two straight shutouts, tying him for second in the NASL in total shutouts. His minuscule goals-against-average of .33 puts him alone atop the league leaders.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 3, 2011
- Silverbacks Women Fall 3-1 To Charlotte - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Impact Hosts FC Edmonton Saturday at Saputo Stadium - Montreal Impact
- Strikers Look to Knock off Defending Champions - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks Return to Tampa Seeking 6th Straight Win - North Carolina FC
- FC Tampa Bay Adds D Watson-Siriboe - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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