Strikers Look to Advance To Finals; Islanders Won’t Go Down Without Fight
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are set to host the Puerto Rico Islanders at Lockhart Stadium tonight. The Strikers enjoy a two-goal advantage coming into the return leg of the NASL semifinals which is a total goal series. Last week saw the Strikers beat the Islanders 3-1 in the first leg in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. It was the first loss Puerto Rico had taken at home all season.
The Islanders will have a difficult battle on their hands being down two goals and playing away from home. With players back from international duty, expect to see an attacking formation from the onset in order to make up for the aggregate goal deficiency.
The Strikers are flying high right now. Winners of their last two matches, the Strikers have managed to score 8 goals in the playoffs. It should not be expected for the Strikers to attack much as they will no doubt be trying to protect their lead.
What to expect
The Islanders will use David Foley and Jonathan Fana to try and attack from the onset. Expect the Islanders to leave it all on the field both physically and emotionally. Colin Clarke will not likely let his players give up the championship without a fight and his side is battle tested in big matches, from league play to CONCACAF Champions League.
The Strikers may try to counter this by using the pace of Martin Nunez and Brian Shriver. In the holding midfield position, Bryan Arguez and Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet may be dispatched to keep the center of the pitch free from many Islander attacks.
Player to watch
The Islanders’ Jonathan Fana is known to wear his heart on his sleeve. He is not a fan favorite in Ft. Lauderdale nor does he find the South Florida crowd endearing. The talented Dominican will have to have a strong performance should the Islanders advance to the final.
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