Strikers Travel to Face MLS' Orlando City in Open Cup Fifth Round
Published on June 16, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Following their penalty shootout victory over Major League Soccer (MLS) side D.C. United on Wednesday night, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers were today drawn to face fellow Florida-based side Orlando City S.C. in the Fifth Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The Strikers will play in Orlando at Camping World Stadium on Wednesday, June 29. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Ticket sales information will be communicated at a later date.
Both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando were drawn into a four-team bracket, the Central Region, alongside MLS sides Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew. The winner of the Chicago-Columbus match will host the winner of Fort Lauderdale-Orlando in the Quarterfinal Round on July 20.
This is the first time in club history the Strikers have progressed to the Fifth Round of the Open Cup. Wednesday's result against D.C. also marked the first time the club progressed at the expense of an MLS opponent.
Fort Lauderdale is one of just two North American Soccer League (NASL) teams left in the competition. 14 of the 16 remaining teams play in MLS.
A big reason for the Strikers' success in the tournament this year has been the form of goalkeeper Diego Restrepo. The 28 year-old made three saves in a 2-0 penalty shootout victory over Richmond Kickers in the Third Round on June 1, before making 10 saves and posting a shutout over D.C. United in the Fourth Round. Restrepo also saved one of D.C.'s penalties.
On Sunday, Fort Lauderdale closed out the NASL Spring Season with a 2-1 defeat away to FC Edmonton, wrapping up the 10-game season with a 4-3-3 (W-T-L) record and a finish just three points behind first-place Indy Eleven. The NASL Fall Season kicks off for Fort Lauderdale at Lockhart Stadium against regional rivals Miami FC on July 2 at 7 p.m. ET.
North American Soccer League Stories from June 16, 2016
- Strikers Travel to Face MLS' Orlando City in Open Cup Fifth Round - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Cosmos Will Host New England Revolution in Fifth Round of Open Cup - New York Cosmos
- Indy Eleven Bows out of U.S. Open Cup in PK's at MLS' Chicago Fire SC - Indy Eleven
- RailHawks Edged by New England - North Carolina FC
- Cosmos Knock off New York City FC in Open Cup - New York Cosmos
- Strikers Upset MLS Side D.C. United to Advance in U.S. Open Cup - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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