Strikers Versus New York Cosmos
September 1, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Key Facts Match: Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs New York Cosmos Date: Saturday, 3 September 2016 Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET Venue: Central Broward Stadium Broadcast: SFL-TV (Miami/Fort Lauderdale) OneWorld Sports (National)
2016 Combined Records (W-T-L) FTL: 6th place: 7-6-8, 27 points; 22 GF / 25 GA, -3 GD NYC: 1st place: 14-2-6, 44 points; 44 GF / 23 GA, 23 GD
Series History First Meeting: August 3, 2013; 1-2 L at NYC Recent Meeting: June 4, 2016; 2-1 W at FTL Series History: 1-2-7 (8 GF / 11 GA; -11 GD) At FTL: 1-2-3 (6 GF / 11 GA; -5 GD) At NYC: 0-4-4 (2 GF / 8 GA; -6 GD)
Strikers Notes:
Last Meeting
The Strikers ended a nine game winless streak against New York with a 2-1 win on June 4, 2016. Fort Lauderdale Jose Angulo and Geison both scored as the Strikers raced out to a 2-0 lead. A late Juan Arango goal made for a nervy end of stoppage time but Fort Lauderdale hung on.
Postseason matchup last season
Fort Lauderdale was eliminated from the 2015 NASL Championship with a 2-1 loss in New York at the semifinal round. The match ended controversially as Jose Angulo's apparent equalizing goal was waived off for an offside call as the second half neared its conclusion. New York went on to defeat Ottawa 3-2 to win the NASL title.
That's Amauri! On August 9, the Strikers signed former Italian international Amauri, who is best known for his time with Juventus, Parma, Napoli and Torino. The Italian international brings a wealth of experience to the club and one of the best resumes of any player in the NASL Modern Era. Amauri came on the 76th minute against Miami FC and scored on his Fort Lauderdale debut. A week later he struck twice including a bicycle kick that made Sportscenter's Top 10 plays of the day in a 3-1 win over Ottawa. Again Minnesota on Wednesday night, Amauri went 90 minutes helping to create several opportunities for Fort Lauderdale in the 0-0 draw.
Outstanding form for Bruno The Brazilian Goalkeeper has started the last six Strikers games recording a record of 3-1-1 over the period. Bruno had to come up with big saves against Jacksonville on August 17 to preserve a 1-1 draw and saved a penalty with the score tied 1-1 on August 20 against Ottawa. Fort Lauderdale went on to win that match 3-1. Bruno made three saves and kept a clean sheet against Minnesota on August 31. Since being reinserted into the starting XI, Bruno has conceded just four times in the six game stretch he has started for a whopping 0.67 Goals against average (GAA).
Central Broward Stadium The Strikers opened Central Broward Stadium on August 20 with a 3-1 win over Ottawa and followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Minnesota on August 31. The stadium which features features modern seating areas with a full roof to protect fans from the sun and rain. The roof and intimate setting was on display in the August 20 match as a unique atmosphere helped propel the Strikers to victory.The New York match will be Fort Lauderdale's third in a four game homestand to open the new home venue. The facility has a history in soccer having previously hosted MLS Combine in the past along with the FC Barcelona Soccer School.
The Boss Defender Gale Agbossoumonde has played every single minute of NASL competition this season. He has also worn the armband for the last six Strikers matches, captaining the side. In those five the Strikers have won three times, lost just once and drew twice.
Corrales becomes a core player Jorge Luis Corrales, who signed with the team on July 14th, and has started every game since in the left back position and has worked well with Gale Agbossoumonde, Dalton and Julius James supporting him. He continues to show strong discipline and ability to help stimulate the attack moving forward on the left side with overlapping runs.
North American Soccer League Stories from September 1, 2016
- Strikers Versus New York Cosmos - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Another Chapter in the Canadian Derby to be Written - Ottawa Fury FC
- RailHawks Make Mickey Daly Loan Permanent - North Carolina FC
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