Strikers' Victory Ends Impact Win Streak
Published on September 3, 2011 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (7-10-7, 31 points) improve their playoff position after defeating the Montreal Impact (6-7-11, 25 points) 1-0 on Saturday, September 3, at Lockhart Stadium. Gerson Mayén provided the game-winning goal in the 71st minute in a game with few chances for either side.
"I thought we were solid all the way around," said head coach Daryl Shore. "Mayén showed his composure on the goal and really took his chance well."
The Strikers goal came in the 71st minute of the game. Mayén played a pass to midfielder Mike Palacio, who used a quick one-touch pass to feed it back to the cutting Mayén. Through on goal and behind the Impact defense, Mayén beat Bush inside the far post for the goal, his first as a professional.
The game was a defensive battle similar to the three previous match-ups this season. Both keepers, Evan Bush for Montreal and Matt Glaeser for Fort Lauderdale, held strong for their respective teams by stopping the few chances on goal.
Fort Lauderdale midfielder Brian Shriver proved to be the main playmaker in the first half, creating and taking chances. In the 27th and 36th minute, Shriver put the ball onto his left foot and tried shots on goal. Bush was forced to make diving saves on both opportunities.
The second half proved to be the better of the halves for both squads. Polo Morales opened up the chances in the 55th minute with a half volley on goal, but Bush was there again to catch it.
"We have to take this momentum and go get a result against Carolina," said Shore. "We know this is in our hands. This was a big step toward it, but we have to keep pushing."
The Strikers, based on results of other games, are currently in fourth place in the NASL, three points behind FC Tampa Bay. The Montreal Impact remain in seventh place, four points behind the NSC Minnesota Stars.
The Strikers next game is at home against the league-leading Carolina RailHawks on September 7 at 7:30p.m. All Strikers games are streamed live online at STRIKERS.com . Tickets are available by calling (954) 606-0400 or by going to STRIKERS.com . Follow the Strikers on facebook and twitter @FTLStrikers.
North American Soccer League Stories from September 3, 2011
- Impact lose 1-0 - Montreal Impact
- Silverbacks Blank Islanders, 2-0 - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Strikers' Victory Ends Impact Win Streak - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Campos Double Delivers RailHawks Win, Record - North Carolina FC
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