Strikers Week One Recap, Week Two Preview
April 7, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Strikers Record Crowd
(Fort Lauderdale Strikers)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Tuesday, April 7, 2015) - With week one of the 10-week North American Soccer League (NASL) Spring Season in the books, below is a look back at Opening Night. It's followed by a preview of the first regular-season match between the Strikers and NASL newcomer Jacksonville Armada FC.
LAST SATURDAY
Strikers Attendance Record Smashed: A crowd of 11,691 was on hand Saturday as the Strikers dropped a 1-0 decision to rival the New York Cosmos on April 4. Saturday's attendance shattered the modern-day Strikers attendance mark of 7,653. The previous highest-attended match at Lockhart also was against the Cosmos on September 21, 2013.
Strikers' Managing Partner Ricardo Geromel commented on the record-breaking figure:
"Everything about the night was fantastic except the final score. Nevertheless, it was great to see a packed house and all of the stadium enhancements. It was an excellent way to start a new era in Strikers' history. We hope to see all of the fans again this Saturday and all summer long at Lockhart Stadium."
Winning on Shots: Despite the 1-0 loss, Fort Lauderdale outshot New York 14-8 and doubled up 6 to 3 on the shots on goal category. The home team had more than its share of notable near misses including:
Stefano Pinho had an early chance stopped by Cosmos' goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer (4th minute). Pinho missed another legitimate opportunity when he slipped on a shot that was preceded by a Léo Moura pass while on the counterattack (31').
PC navigated the ball between two defenders legs, and then fired cross-goal, forcing Maurer to make a diving save (38').
Moura's corner kick found the head of James Marcelin, but the midfielder's effort sailed just over the bar (41').
Frankie Sanfilippo also couldn't convert a header -- it too was stopped by Maurer (66').
Moura had a half-volley off target (53') and a free kick opportunity miss inches wide of the near post (75').
Shawn Chin intercepted a a Cosmos' counter attack and attempted to chip the goalkeeper from long range (55').
Dani Sánchez was denied a late equalizing goal by a diving Maurer save (86').
Captain Moura: Léo Moura, who captained Flamengo in Brazil's top soccer league ( Campeonato Brasileiro Série A) from 2010 to 2015, was named the Strikers captain by Coach Marcelo Neveleff prior to the opener. The Strikers 2015 roster boasts three players who captained their respective teams last season: Moura; Iv án Guerrero, who wore the Strikers armband; and Frankie Sanfilippo, who skippered the Tampa Bay Rowdies for four seasons (2011-14).
Debut Redux: In addition to Moura, several other players donned the Red & Gold for the first time on Saturday. They include fellow starters Ryan Adele, Marlon Freitas, PC, Stefano Pinho, Frankie Sanfilippo, and Karsten Smith. Additionally, newcomers Evans Frimpong and Dani Sánchez came off the bench in the second half.
Welcome Worldwide Leader: Saturday's game was broadcast on ESPN3 with Bruce Silverman serving as play-by-play, while Ed Borth served as color commentator. Every game this season can be found on ESPN3.
Strikers em Português: T he game was also broadcast in Portuguese via Nossa Radio (WFLL 1400-AM), as will all home matches.
Brazilian television leader SportTV also broadcast the game live throughout Brazil. SportTV is affiliated with the Globo Television brand.
THIS SATURDAY
Interstate Rivalry Commences: The preseason provided a solid buildup for the inaugural regular-season game between the Strikers and the Jacksonville Armada FC. Jacksonville topped Fort Lauderdale 1-0 on February 28, the preseason opener for the Strikers. The two teams met again on March 21, with Fort Lauderdale exploding for five goals while securing the clean sheet.
Impressive on the Pitch and the Turnstiles: While the Strikers broke their own club attendance mark Saturday, Armada FC broke the NASL Modern Era attendance record on Saturday, drawing 16,164 fans at EverBank Field in their first ever official match. The Armada FC went on to top FC Edmonton, 3-1.
If that weren't enough, Jacksonville broke the record for fastest goal in a game, The Armada's Jemal Johnson -- a former Strikers player (2013) -- scored 12 seconds into the game.
The record previously was held by the Strikers' Fafà Picault, who netted a goal after just 26 seconds against Indy Eleven on September 20, 2014.
Hot Tickets : Fans can get tickets for Saturday's Strikers - Armada FC match on Strikers.com or by calling 954,606.0400. If purchased in advance, tickets start at just $12.
Images from this story
 Strikers Record Crowd |
North American Soccer League Stories from April 7, 2015
- Minnesota United Defeats Orlando City SC 3-2 in Final Preseason Match - Minnesota United FC
- Strikers Week One Recap, Week Two Preview - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Following Record-Setting Debut, Armada FC Launches Single-Match Ticket Sales for Spring NASL Season - Jacksonville Armada FC
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