Strikers Win 4-0, Win Third Game in a Row

May 10, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Fort Lauderdale, FL - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers won their third consecutive game defeating the visiting Atlanta Silverbacks 4-0 at Lockhart Stadium. With the win, the Strikers (4W-0T-1L, 12 points) move up to first place in the NASL standings, level on points with Minnesota United FC.

Martin Nuñez' third goal in three matches gave the Strikers a 1-0 first half lead, while second-half strikes from Mark Anderson, Carlos Salazar and Fafà Picault gave the Strikers a comfortable home victory in front of 3,109 fans.

The Strikers looked to get on the board early and nearly opened the scoring in just the sixth minute of the match. A 35-yard freekick from Mark Anderson dipped over the wall and on frame but Silverbacks goalkeeper Eric Ati managed to get low to his right to parry the ball from danger.

At the other end, Atlanta had a freekick of their own denied by some brilliant goalkeeping. Oka Nikolov got a fingertip to Jesus Gonzalez' effort from the top of the box to keep the match scoreless.

Just moments later the breakthrough came for the Strikers. A low cross from Anderson wasn't dealt with by the Silverbacks defense and Nuñez was in the right place to pick his spot and put the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute of the match.

Strikers forward Fafà Picault caused the Atlanta defense problems all night with his movement, and went close to scoring twice in the first half. The diminutive forward had a close range effort denied by a brilliant point-blank save from Ati and was unlucky not to score in the 45th minute after being sent through on goal by Anderson.

A spectacular goal from Anderson doubled the Strikers' just five minutes into the second half. A quick throw from Iván Guerrero was played into the path of Anderson who struck the ball on the bounce from 30 yards into the far corner of the net to the delight of the home fans.

Down 2-0, Atlanta started to throw numbers forward. Any hopes of a comeback were crushed in the 73rd minute which forced the Englishman off the field with an injury.

Carlos Salazar added a goal five minutes from time on a freekick from the top of the box. The Strikers increased the lead to 4-0 in the final seconds of the match on a penalty kick converted by Picault, who was taken down for the spot kick.

The Strikers next play at Minnesota in a battle for first place on Saturday May 17th. The Strikers next home match is against the New York Cosmos on Saturday May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium. Tickets are available by visiting www.strikers.com or calling 954-606-0400.



North American Soccer League Stories from May 10, 2014


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