Strikers Travel North of the Border to Take on Ottawa Fury FC
August 7, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (August 7, 2014) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1W-2D-2L, 5 pts) are taking a trip to Canada from Indianapolis, where they played to a scoreless draw with Indy Eleven, to take on the Ottawa Fury (0-1-3, 1 pt) at TD Place. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. this Saturday night, August 9th.
The Strikers have gained points in each of their last three matches, including Wednesday night's draw at Indianapolis in front of a sellout crowd. Strikers goalkeeper Kamil Contofalsky was the man of the match, making several highlight worthy saves to get his second consecutive shutout. The draw pulled the Strikers to within 2 points of the Carolina Railhawks for the fourth and final playoff spot in the NASL's combined Spring and Fall Standings.
The Strikers went up a man in the 58th minute when Indy's Jermaine Johnson received a straight red card after he clipped Shawn Chin at midfield. Johnson was already booked in the first half, having received a yellow card for diving inside the penalty box. Fort Lauderdale continued to press late, using their speed to challenge the Indy defense and forcing Indy 'keeper Kristian Nicht to make some key saves, but the Indy defense held on for the draw.
The team now travels straight from Indianapolis to Ottawa to play their third match in eight days.
"After playing on Wednesday, we know playing again on the road will be a big challenge for us. Every game we play is very important for our team. I'm sure we'll be focused and ready when kickoff time arrives," said Strikers Coach Gunter Kronsteiner.
Ottawa is coming off a 2-1 loss against Spring Champions Minnesota United, and currently find themselves at the bottom of the Fall Season standings with one point.
The Strikers faced Ottawa in the Spring Season opener, which was also the NASL debut for the Fury, at Lockhart Stadium on April 12th. The home team spoiled the Fury's debut in a 2-0 shutout victory on goals by defenders Rafael Alves and Darnell King.
Fans can catch the action on NASLLive.com with a paid subscription. Fans can also follow the team's trip on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @FTLStrikers.
Up next
Following the game in Ottawa, the Strikers next match is at home on Saturday August 16th against the Atlanta Silverbacks at 7:30 pm at Lockhart Stadium. Tickets are available on the Strikers website, strikers.com.
Series history (W-T-L)
All-time (1 meeting): 1-0-0 (2 GF/0 GA; +2 GD)
This is their first meeting in Ottawa
Team news
Injured: Pecka (missed last five matches), Stefan Antonijevic (doubtful, missed last three matches), Justin Chavez (missed last two matches), Stephane Guillaume (not match fit)
2014 Stat leaders
Goals: FafÃÂ Picault (5)
Assists: Iván Guerrero (3)
Up next
The Strikers will then travel north of the border to face Ottawa Fury FC at the brand-new TD Stadium on Saturday, August 9. Fans can catch the action on NASLLive.com with a paid subscription. Fans can also follow the team's trip on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @FTLStrikers. The Strikers next home match is on Saturday August 16th against the Atlanta Silverbacks at 7:30 pm at Lockhart Stadium.
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North American Soccer League Stories from August 7, 2014
- RailHawks Team up with Johnson Maserati of Cary - North Carolina FC
- Strikers Travel North of the Border to Take on Ottawa Fury FC - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- San Antonio Scorpions Look to Remain First in NASL - NASL
- FCE Match Preview: vs Minnesota United FC - FC Edmonton
- Silverbacks Sign Costa Rican Midfielder Brandon Poltronieri - Atlanta Silverbacks
- New York Cosmos Held by FC Edmonton to Scoreless Draw - New York Cosmos
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