Strikers Tie the Cosmos 1-1 Despite Playing the Second Half with 10 Men

July 26, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - A shorthanded Strikers side held on to a 1-1 tie with rivals New York Cosmos at Lockhart Stadium. A goal from the penalty spot converted by Jenison Brito cancelled out Jemal Johnson's opener for the Cosmos.

"We knew this would be a tough game today," Strikers coach G-nter Kronsteiner said. "I though we did a great considering we were down to 10 players. We deserved this point."

Faced with a number of injuries to key players, Kronsteiner departed from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation in favor of the classic 4-4-2. He fielded an experimental starting eleven with James Marcelin partnering Justin Chavez in defense and Ronaldo Vieira, making his first NASL start, in the center of midfield.

It took just seven minutes for the game's opening goal. Hans Denissen controlled a cross at the top of the box with his chest and lifted a ball over the defense for Johnson. The former Strikers forward beat Marcelin in an aerial duel to head the ball past Kamil Contofalsky in goal.

Just two minutes later the Cosmos nearly doubled their lead. Johnson picked out Mads Stokkelien inside the box who cut inside on Chavez before firing just wide of the far post.

The Strikers earned a penalty in the 23rd minute of the match after Fafà Picault's cross struck the arm of Cosmos defender Ayoze. The Brazilian forward Brito stepped up to the ensuing penalty kick. He lashed the ball past the helpless Jimmy Maurer to score his first goal for the Strikers.

The Strikers' chances of a comeback were dealt a blow shortly before halftime. Vieira was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on

Danny Szetela in the 39th minute and the Strikers were forced to play the remainder of the match a man down.

Despite playing shorthanded, the Strikers held their own defensively in the second half. The team also looked lively up top with the athleticism and skill of Brito and Picault impressing and creating chances.

In search of the win, the Cosmos made attack-minded substitutions in the second half. Coach Kronsteiner responded by sending on Colin Murphy, and later, as the Strikers looked more like scoring, Aly Alberto Hassan.

The Cosmos had a good chance to steal the win through Sebastián Guenzatti in the 76th minute. The winger broke through the defense but Contofalsky came off his line and did enough to force Guenzatti into shooting over the goal.

The Strikers looked better and better as the match progressed and Manny Gonzalez had an opportunity at the other end just two minutes later. The midfielder had a dipping freekick from the edge of the area which was tipped over the net by Maurer.

Right back Darnell King broke through the Cosmos defense in the 80th minute on a mazy run and was unlucky to see his effort go just wide of the far post.

It was almost heartbreak for the Strikers in stoppage time. Stefan Dimitrov, who spent part of the 2013 season on loan in Fort Lauderdale, struck the underside of the bar, but the ball bounced out and the home team was able to claim a point in the standings.



North American Soccer League Stories from July 26, 2014


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