Strikers Top Rowdies for Coastal Cup Lead
August 15, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - James Marcelin and Stefano Pinho returned from suspension to each score in Fort Lauderdale's 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night. The win gives the Strikers the the lead in the 2015 Coastal Cup standings.
A crowd of 5,145 was in attendance at Lockhart Stadium for the North American Soccer League match presented by Stonegate Bank.
Marcelin's strike just before halftime -- his first as a Striker -- proved to be the winner as he followed up on a rebound in front of the net after Rowdies goalkeeper Kamil Contofalsky made a save on a Walter Ramirez freekick.
The Strikers jumped on the board early when Stefano Pinho took advantage of a turnover 25 yards out, gained control of the ball, turned and finished with a left-footed strike to the top left corner. It was the first time the Strikers scored in the first 15 minutes at Lockhart Stadium this season. The goal is Stefano's seventh of the season.
Both Marcelin and Stefano returned to the starting lineup after serving one-game suspensions for ejections picked up in the August 5 defeat to Atlanta. Usually deployed as a holding midfielder, Marcelin made the start at the center of defense for the first time since August 16, 2014, when the Strikers hosted Atlanta in a 1-1 draw. Stefano reclaimed his place as the lone forward in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Maicon Santos scored for the Rowdies in the 19th minute when he tapped in from close range following a free kick cross by Georgi Hristov.
"In the second half, we were the better team," said Strikers Head Coach Gî1/4nter Kronsteiner. "Now, we have to keep trying and keep working to do things better."
The win is Kronsteiner's first at Lockhart in his second stint as head coach. The club picked up three draws in his first three home matches.
The triumph gives the Strikers three points in the Coastal Cup, presented by Verizon Wireless, to match Tampa Bay with nine points in the standings. Fort Lauderdale assumes the lead by virtue of its goal difference and two wins over Tampa Bay, along with the fact that it has a match in hand. The Strikers have two games remaining against Jacksonville, while the Rowdies have one match remaining at Jacksonville.
Fort Lauderdale is the current holder of the Coastal Cup trophy, claiming it for the time in 2014. The three-way competition was created by the Florida teams' supporters groups.
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North American Soccer League Stories from August 15, 2015
- Armada Edge Atlanta in Narrow Affair - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Armada Extend Home Unbeaten Streak to Four with 1-0 Win over Atlanta - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Strikers Top Rowdies for Coastal Cup Lead - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota Stops Ottawa's Unbeaten Streak to Headline Week 7 Results - NASL
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- Minnesota United Ends Fury Streak with Dramatic 2-1 Stoppage Time Win - Minnesota United FC
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