Fort Lauderdale Strikers Defeat Carolina RailHawks 2nd Time This Season
Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1-0 Carolina RailHawks
The RailHawks traveled to Lockhart Stadium to take on the Strikers on Wednesday evening. More than 2000 fans attended the midweek clash to see the league leaders in action for the final time during the regular season. There was inclement weather two hours before kickoff but the skies cleared in time for the game.
From the start of the match, the RailHawks looked like a team which was playing for a tie rather than the win. It seemed Martin Rennie’s strategy was to play defensively and not allow the Strikers much space to operate on offense.
30 fouls were called in the match, which set up many free kick opportunities for both teams.
Kupono Low saw his effort in the 20th minute sail high and wide. In the 24th minute, Mike Palacio saw his free kick comfortably saved by RailHawks keeper Brad Knighton.
In the 29th minute Nick Zimmerman’s shot was off target. It would be the only shot Carolina would have in the first half of play.
In the second half, the Strikers began to control the run of play. Lance Laing used his pace to get behind the Carolina defense and attempt crosses into the area.
The lone goal of the game came in the 52nd minute on a build-up between Strikers midfielders Gerson Mayén and Brian Shriver, who found Laing on the wing. Laing took the pass, ran down the sideline, and crossed it toward a streaking Abe Thompson, who finished it for his fourth of the season. The goal ties him for number two goalscorer on the team with Brian Shriver.
“When Lance gets the ball wide with a full head of steam we have to be ready to receive a cross,” said Thompson. “He puts so much power into it that all you really need to do is get a touch on it.”
The Strikers now have the dubious distinction of beating the RailHawks twice this season.
“This result feels great,” said Strikers coach Daryl Shore. “They’re the best team in the league. They haven’t beaten us at home and we haven’t beaten them at their home. I told the guys if we were going to progress in the playoffs we were going to have to beat the best teams to win the championship.”
“I thought the first 30 minutes we were good and we moved the ball really well,” continued Shore. ” We had a few crosses go in when we didn’t have enough guys in the box. In the last 15 minutes of the half we hit a rut and let them back into the game. At halftime we changed Polo (Leopoldo Morales) and (Brian) Shriver it gave us more speed coming from the right. I feel Polo is more comfortable and better at the forward position.
“(Abe) Thompson had a good night. He is a smart enough forward and he found a good spot on the field to receive the cross from Lance (Laing). He had a battle on his hands with the opposing center defenders tonight. He held the ball up and created chances for other players. Abe is a warrior. It’s one of the reasons we have him on the team.”
“The Strikers have never missed the playoffs in their history,” concluded Thompson. “For me and for the guys on the team it’s important to make the playoffs. Once you’re in then it’s a whole new season.”
Players of the game
Abe Thompson – Thompson is known for displaying a high workrate and is key to the Strikers attack. In his current role he plays like a “target man.” He can either take shots on goal or hold up play and wait for attacking teammates.
Lance Laing – A fast and strong left back with loads of potential. The Jamaican international plays well in both attacking and defensive phases of the game.
By the numbers
The Strikers outshot the RailHawks 7 to 2 on the evening.
Both teams combined for 30 fouls. 16 for Carolina and 14 for Ft. Lauderdale.
Matt Glaeser was not called on to make a save all evening as both RailHawks shots were off target.
Looking ahead
The RailHawks travel to Montreal to take on the Impact on Sunday afternoon while the Strikers travel to Foote Field to battle FC Edmonton Sunday evening.
LINEUPS
CAR: GK Brad Knighton, D Floyd Franks, D Kupono Low, D Gareth Evans, D Tyler Lassiter, M Tony McManus, M Matt Watson (Cory Elenio, 79), M Jonny Steele, F Pablo Campos, F Allan Russell (Stephen Glass, 75), F Nick Zimmerman (Brian Farber, 63)
FTL:GK Matt Glaeser, D Scott Gordon, D Martin Lancaster, D Toni Stahl, D Lance Laing, M Leopoldo Morales (Yoximar Granado, 89), M Bran Arguez, M Gerson Mayen, M Mike Palacio (Eduardo Coudet, 80), F Brian Shriver (Peka, 70), F Abe Thompson
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I always give the devil its due. @Strikers Return, congratulations on predicting this, my bet was against the Strikers being able to beat the Railhawks twice….
You da man!
Next time I think there should be a bet. One of Barts favorite whips for one of Strikers Return fanboy hats.