Strikers Sink Rowdies in Tampa Bay
Published on July 25, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Bruno Nunes of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Gets Congratulated
(Fort Lauderdale Strikers)
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers earned an impressive 3-1 road win over longtime rival Tampa Bay Saturday night in North American Soccer League action at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The win gives head coach Günter Kronsteiner his first win following his return to the Strikers' bench prior to the start of the NASL Fall Season. The victory extends the Strikers unbeaten streak to five games, dating back to the NASL Spring Season finale - a win at Minnesota. Since that match, the Strikers played to three draws to start the Fall season before entering the win column and earning three critical points away from home Saturday evening.
"It was a really well-deserved victory," said Kronsteiner. "Of course it feels very good -- I have to admit, especially because we beat a solid team tonight."
Strikers' midfielder PC opened the scoring in the 16th minute when he sent a shot into the net from the back post after he took in a Marlon Freitas cross. The score was set up after Fort Lauderdale newcomer Gabriel, playing in his first NASL game, intercepted a Tampa Bay pass near midfield, that he sent forward to Freitas. The strike is PC's second goal of the year. It gives Freitas his second assist of 2015.
The second goal came when substitute Bruno Nunes took the loose ball all alone on the right and slammed it into the left side of the net. Another substitute, Evans Frimpong, was credited with the assist.
The tally was Bruno's first in NASL action, his other Strikers goal coming in US. Open Cup play.
The Rowdies, who had been held without a goal for more than two matches, finally scored in extra time when Maicon Santos put home a shot following a pass from Freddy Adu, who had entered the game in the 76th minute to make his NASL debut.
Tampa Bay looked to be pushing for an equalizer, but it was Fort Lauderdale who would find the net again. The Strikers rounded out the scoring when Stefano Pinho notched his team-leading sixth goal of the year deep into extra time.
All three Fort Lauderdale goals Saturday were scored by Brazilians. The Strikers outshot the Rowdies 18 to 9 and looked dangerous with a well-organized attack on the counter.
The win marks just the second win at Tampa Bay in the NASL Modern Era. The last came on October 8 of last season.
The result ties the race for the 2015 Coastal Cup, with each team now having six points after splitting two matches in St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, league and Coastal Cup newcomer Jacksonville is still in search for its first points in Florida Derbies. The Strikers and Rowdies meet again in Fort Lauderdale on August 15.
The pitch at Al Lang Stadium was soggy after it withstood more than eight inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Tampa Bay utilized a helicopter to dry the playing surface late this afternoon. No rain fell during the contest.
Images from this story
 Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies |
 Bruno Nunes of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Gets Congratulated |
North American Soccer League Stories from July 25, 2015
- Scorpions Fall 4-3 to Minnesota United in An Action Packed Match At - San Antonio Scorpions
- Cosmos and Indy Draw in Wright's NASL Debut - New York Cosmos
- Minnesota United Defeats San Antonio Scorpions in Wild 4-3 Victory - Minnesota United FC
- Indy Eleven Fit to be Tied Once Again with New York Cosmos, 1-1 - Indy Eleven
- Fort Lauderdale, Minnesota Pick up Big Wins Away from Home - NASL
- Strikers Sink Rowdies in Tampa Bay - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Tampa Bay Rowdies' Comeback Bid Falls Short in 3-1 Loss to Strikers - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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.
