Strikers Restrepo and Anderson Named to NASL Best XI Team
October 9, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2012) - The NASL has selected its 2012 Best XI team and two Fort Lauderdale Strikers were named to the team. Midfielder Walter Restrepo was one of three unanimous selections to the team and he is joined by first-year Striker Mark Anderson on the team chosen by the NASL's coaches. The Strikers have had two players named to the Best XI in consecutive seasons after defenders Toni Stahl and Lance Laing were both named to the team in 2011.
"This award is well deserved for both Walter and Mark," said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. "Prior to Walter's injury he was probably the most dynamic player in our league with the ball going forward, and losing him was a big blow to our team and I am happy the other coaches in the league saw how valuable Walter was to our team and our league."
Restrepo, 24, played a central role for in the Strikers attack throughout the season collecting seven goals and nine assists in all competitions, with his eight assists in the regular season tied for first in the NASL. Restrepo's season was cut short when he suffered a knee injury during training forcing him to miss the final seven games of 2012. His loss was felt greatly on the offensive end as the Strikers' scoring average dropped by 0.75 goals per game in his absence. The player who had been the recipient of the majority of his assists was Mark Anderson.
"Mark was probably the most affected by the loss of Walter," said Shore. "However he had a great rookie season and is also well deserving of being on the Best XI. His knack for goal was special and I think he scored some of the most exciting goals in the league this year."
Anderson, 23, scored his first goal for the Strikers on May 2nd against Carolina. He would also be named the NASL's Offensive Player of the Week twice this season after two multi-goal games for Fort Lauderdale. His 11 NASL goals placed him third in the NASL behind only Pablo Campos and Nick Zimmerman, both NASL Best XI selections themselves. Anderson also scored for the Strikers in both 2012 US Open Cup matches. His goal against the San Jose Earthquakes arguably the goal of the entire tournament. Anderson's midfield strike can be seen here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?vKfqMRCUlLo0
"It means a lot to get this award. To receive recognition from the whole league and be put ahead of some exceptional players is a great honor," said Anderson. "It's not just an award for me, but for the players and staff that work with me day in and day out and gave me every opportunity to excel on the field. Thank you."
Anderson, a native of Durham, England, played college soccer in South Florida at Barry University where he was named the 2011 Daktronics DII National Soccer Player of the Year and 2011 Capital One Academic All-America of the Year for DII men's soccer.
Restrepo, originally from San Diego, Calif., played professionally with several teams in Colombia before returning to the United States. Restrepo spent time with Deportes Tolima, Boyacá ChicÃ", and Express Rojo, appearing in both the CategorÃ-a Primera A and the CategorÃ-a Primera B between 2006 and 2010.
North American Soccer League Stories from October 9, 2012
- Three Scorpions Selected to NASL Best XI - San Antonio Scorpions
- RailHawks' Zimmerman Unanimous Selection for NASL Best XI - North Carolina FC
- NASL Names Stars Captain Kyle Altman to 2012 Best XI Team - Minnesota United FC
- Strikers Restrepo and Anderson Named to NASL Best XI Team - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Hamilton Named to the League's Best XI - FC Edmonton
- Attinella, Yamada and Mulholland Named to NASL Best XI - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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