Match Preview: Impact Travel to South Florida to Take on the Strikers

Prior to the season many believed the final regular season match between Impact and Strikers would be an important one in the playoff picture. However few would have thought both teams would be in the lower half of the NASL table. In fact many predicted both teams would be vying for the NASL regular season championship, yet each have experienced a roller coaster ride with plenty of highs and lows.

The Strikers come off of an emotional letdown against FC Tampa Bay while a late season surge by the Impact after a slew of player acquisitions has seen the Impact play much better of late.

The Impact have won three straight matches and have earned 10 points out of a possible 12 in the last four matches. The Strikers are winless in their last three matches.

Fort Lauderdale and Montreal have tied all three times the teams have met this season, the most recent meeting a 1-1 fixture at Saputo Stadium in Montreal on July 13. The Strikers match-ups with Impact have been very defensive in nature with the first two games this season ending in scoreless draws.

Keys to the game
For the Impact, the play of Englishman Ian Westlake and seasoned veteran Eduardo Sebrango have led the Impact into a prime position to make the playoffs. It’s important to note Sebrango has scored 6 goals in less than 750 minutes played.

The Strikers must find away to overcome injuries which have seemed to haunt them from the start of the season. Injuries to players who play central defense and forward have led to reshuffling of line-ups which have drawn the ire of “Striker Likers.” One positive is the return of Eduardo Coudet who returns after serving a six-match suspension. Coudet is the team leader with six goals.

Comments from coach Shore

“It’s a big game,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “We are three points ahead of Montreal in the 6th playoff spot but also a point behind Minnesota and two points behind Edmonton. With those two teams playing against one another it’s a good opportunity for us to move ahead of one of those teams with a win on Saturday. It is also important because it puts some distance between us and Montreal. The guys know it’s a big game. We’ve had a good week of training. Hopefully the guys are prepared when we step on the field on Saturday night.”

“A win is also important because we would have the tiebreaker advantage over Montreal. We also have a tiebreaker advantage over Minnesota. Our focus right now is on Montreal and even though we want to have the advantage with the tiebreaker, a win would lift the team’s confidence. Montreal is a good team. They have brought in good players with MLS experience. They are clicking on all cylinders right now. Montreal is known for ending the season with a string of good results. It’s a team we are not taking lightly.”