Strikers Renew Decades-Old Rivalry Against FC Tampa Bay
Published on June 28, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (JUNE 29, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers rivalry week concludes with the highly anticipated game against FC Tampa Bay on Wednesday, June 29, with kick-off at 7:30p.m. at Lockhart Stadium. The Strikers are riding a six-game unbeaten streak and look to continue earning points, especially at home where they have won two of their last three games. FC Tampa Bay comes into Lockhart Stadium for the first time this season aiming to record a big win on the road, which would tie them with the Strikers at 16 points in the NASL standings.
"We know it's a big rivalry. Obviously, with the past history with the two clubs in the old NASL," said head coach Daryl Shore, "but this is the new NASL and this is a new rivalry. With that being said, they are three points behind us in the standings, and we know this is an important game. It is a chance for us to try and distance ourselves from them and the teams below them as we try to move up the table."
About the Strikers
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers unbeaten streak has now reached six games. The Strikers have earned 10 points in those six games, including two wins in their last three home games. The team has allowed only three total goals during the streak, an average of just 0.5 goals per game.
The Strikers hope to continue their success at home and earn three points against in-state rival FC Tampa Bay and put themselves six points ahead of them. Due to his play in the 1 - 1 draw against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday, June 25, goalkeeper Matt Glaeser was named NASL Defensive Player of the Week. Matt leads the NASL in goals against average(0.57) and is tied for the league lead with four shutouts.
About FC Tampa
FC Tampa Bay is coming off a road loss against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, June 18, with a score of 3 - 1. They are led by Mike Ambersley, who is tied for third in the NASL with five goals, and goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, who leads the NASL in saves with 54.
A Rivalry Renewed
Beginning in 1977, this rivalry has grown since the first match-up between the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Tampa Bay Rowdies in the early days of the NASL. For the first time since 1993, the teams will face each other as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and FC Tampa Bay, continuing their rivalry at Lockhart Stadium. The all-time series has been contested 36 times and is tied at 18 wins each.
Fans Show Passion, Rain or Shine
On May 14, dedicated Striker fans stuck around in the rain at Lockhart Stadium waiting for what was to be the game of the season against FC Tampa Bay. The match was eventually postponed for a later date in the season due to a lightning storm in the Fort Lauderdale area. "Make it Rain on Tampa" encourages all Striker Likers to join the continued history of the rivalries as the Strikers give back to the dedicated fans patiently waiting for Wednesday's game since May 14.
Striker fans are still encouraged to email the team at makeitrain@strikers.com to redeem their May 14 game tickets. For every May 14 ticket turned in, fans will receive two tickets to Wednesday's game. Any fan unable to exchange their ticket stubs through the '2 for 1' offer can still exchange tickets until noon on Wednesday, June 29, at the Strikers Boutique. Fans who are unable to exchange tickets before the deadline can use their May 14 ticket stub to receive entrance to game day on Wednesday. Tickets for the game are still available, but are limited to general admission seating for $10. Striker Likers can order tickets by calling (954) 606-0400, visiting Strikers online or purchasing tickets at the box office on game day.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 28, 2011
- Impact Faces Puerto Rico Wednesday at Saputo Stadium - Montreal Impact
- Strikers Renew Decades-Old Rivalry Against FC Tampa Bay - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Marc Dos Santos Resigns - Montreal Impact
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.
