Strikers Salvage Last Minute Draw with Atlanta
Published on September 17, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (SEPTEMBER 17, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (9-11-7, 38 points) played to a 1-1 draw against the Atlanta Silverbacks (4-4-19, 16 points) tonight at Lockhart Stadium. Atlanta's Nico Colaluca and Strikers forward Brian Shriver scored in the final minutes to give the 4,688 in attendance a dramatic finish.
"We probably we should've been up three or four," said head coach Daryl Shore, "but that's the way this game is. Give our guys credit. We give up a goal, and we got one back."
Colaluca opened the scoring in the 90th minute after he received a pass and put a touch onto his right foot. Just outside the 18-yard-box, he curled a shot which ricocheted off the far post and in for his first of the season.
Immediately following the goal, the Strikers Eduardo Coudet sent a long pass to a streaking Yoximar Granado. With a short touch, Granado crossed it into the box and Shriver was there to put it home for his sixth of the season, tying Coudet for the team lead.
In the first half, the Strikers were the more attacking team, pressing high up the pitch. Martin Nunez was through in the 28th minute alone on goal after a long ball from the defense. He rounded the keeper, but he hit the shot wide and left.
Colaluca proved to be the Silverbacks playmaker, as he was taking his chances. In the 41st minute, he hit a right-footed shot aiming for the far post, but goalkeeper Matt Glaeser was there to make the save.
Following the first half, the Silverbacks came out pushing forward. Grant Kerr, on loan from the Strikers, took a shot from 18 yards out to Glaeser's left, but the Strikers goalkeeper dove and stopped it.
Atlanta almost put themselves ahead in the 71st minute. After a free kick was curled into the box, three different shots were stopped by Glaeser, deflected off the post and blocked from point blank range.
"We persevered and we got a goal back. It is a positive you can take into the playoffs, because it shows we're determined and we're not going to quit," said Shore.
With this draw and the Montreal Impact beating FC Edmonton, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers will be hosting their first playoff game on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The Strikers next travel to face FC Tampa Bay on Sept. 24 at 7:00p.m. at Al Lang Stadium.
All Strikers games are streamed live online at STRIKERS.com . Tickets are available by calling (954) 606-0400 or by going to STRIKERS.com . Follow the Strikers on facebook and twitter @FTLStrikers.
North American Soccer League Stories from September 17, 2011
- Impact Stays Alive in Playoff Race - Montreal Impact
- Strikers Salvage Last Minute Draw with Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Frantic Finish Ends in 1-1 Draw - Atlanta Silverbacks
- RailHawks Fall 1-0 at Puerto Rico - North Carolina FC
- Minnesota Stars Battle to 1-1 Draw at FC Tampa Bay - Minnesota United FC
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