Strikers Play Scorpions to Scoreless Tie in Home Finale
October 21, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (October 21, 2015) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played the San Antonio Scorpions to a scoreless tie Wednesday night at Lockhart Stadium to open a two-point advantage in the race for the North American Soccer League (NASL) postseason.
In front of 2,632 fans in attendance in Fort Lauderdale's home finale, the point gives the Strikers 38 in the Combined Standings, two ahead of the Tampa Bay Rowdies with two games to play. The Rowdies were idle on Wednesday night and will host the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday.
"I really wanted to make everything clear (with a win)," said Head Coach Günter Kronsteiner. "Tonight was not a bad thing. We need to go do it now in Indianapolis on Saturday."
Despite picking up a point, defending NASL champion San Antonio is eliminated from postseason play. FC Edmonton was also eliminated as a result of Wednesday's match.
Goalkeeper David Meves stopped three shots to record his second consecutive shutout, and third of the year.
After a lackluster first half, the Strikers forced the issue after the break in search of the victory.
Marlon Freitas had successive shots in the 63rd and 64th minutes, the first from the edge of the box went wide and the second was blocked by goalkeeper Daniel Fernandes, who impressed with eight saves on the night.
NASL leading scorer Stefano Pinho had the best scoring chance for the Strikers in the 72nd minute. He took possession of the ball right at the edge of the penalty area, turned toward the goal and tried to lift the ball over the extended arms of Fernandes, who managed to stop the shot with a firm arm.
Jose Angulo, who replaced captain James Marcelin in the 69th minute, also came close to finding the target with several attempts. The 27 year-old tested Fernandes with his first touch of the ball after coming on, but the keeper made the save.
Angulo created a quality shot in the 82nd minute along with two more in stoppage time. Fernandes denied the first two while the last effort was blocked by a defender.
Veteran defender Iván Guerrero made his 75th appearance in a Strikers uniform.
Instrumental playmaker PC missed the match due to a head injury.
With one win and two draws on the year, Fort Lauderdale claims the 2015 series between the sides. The all-time series between the clubs is now 4-6-5 (W-T-L).
The Strikers take to the road for the final two regular-season matches. Fort Lauderdale will travel to face Indy Eleven on Saturday, October 24, followed by the final regular-season match at Florida rivals Jacksonville Armada FC on Sunday, November 1.
North American Soccer League Stories from October 21, 2015
- Fury Claim Fall Title with Win in Jacksonville - Ottawa Fury FC
- Armada Not Able to Hold on to Early Lead, Drops 3-1 Decision to Fury FC - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Scorpions Shutout Strikers and Earn 0-0 Draw in Fort Lauderdale - San Antonio Scorpions
- Strikers Play Scorpions to Scoreless Tie in Home Finale - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Ottawa Fury FC Clinches Fall Season Championship with Win in Jacksonville - NASL
- Fury FC Claim NASL Fall Season Championship - Ottawa Fury FC
- New York Cosmos Hold First Talent Identication Center for Cosmos Academy - New York Cosmos
- Barrett, Millien Named to NASL Team of the Week - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Fury Game Changers Earn NASL Team of the Week Nod - Ottawa Fury FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
