News/Blog

Strikers acquire former FIU forward Jahbari Willis

Thursday, 13 June 2013 14:04 | Written by Ken |

AndyTrade

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers have acquired former Florida International University forward Jahbari Willis from the Atlanta Silverbacks. In exchange, the Strikers send forward Andy Herron to Atlanta. Per team policy, no additional details have been released.

“Jahbari is a big forward who will help us score goals,” said Strikers’ head coach Daryl Shore. “When he came into the game against us in Atlanta, he was a handful. Our assistant coach Raoul Voss was a graduate assistant at FIU while Jahbari played there, so he’s very familiar with his abilities.”

Willis, 22, joined his hometown NASL club, the Atlanta Silverbacks on June 12, 2012, midway through the NASL season. He made his professional debut on July 7, 2012, starting and playing the entire match against Minnesota United FC and assisted on both goals in the Silverbacks’ 2-1 win. After a solid rookie season, Atlanta re-signed Willis for 2013 on February 6, 2013.

In the 2013 season, the 6-foot-3 forward has 11 appearances and two assists. Prior to signing for the NASL club, Willis played for the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves in the National Premier Soccer League. While at FIU, Willis played four seasons of college soccer for the Golden Panthers between 2008 and 2011.

Andy Herron, 35, had a productive 2012 season for the Strikers in which the Costa Rican forward made 17 starts in 20 appearances in all competitions. He finished the season with eight league goals, two assists and three NASL Offensive Player of the Week honors.

The veteran Herron has more than 15 years of experience, having played with professional clubs here in the US, Costa Rica and Guatemala during his career. Herron has also played in major tournaments for the Costa Rican national team, representing La Sele at the 2004 Copa América, as well as the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Strikers take on the Atlanta Silverbacks this Saturday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at historic Lockhart Stadium. Tickets for all Strikers home games may be purchased online at Strikers.com or by calling the Strikers’ ticket office at 954-606-0400.

Strikers fall in final minute in Minnesota

Sunday, 09 June 2013 00:17 |

manny1

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2-2-5, 8 points) were unable to capitalize on an early lead on the road and end up falling to Minnesota United FC (4-2-3, 14 points) 2-1 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn on Saturday night. Strikers' forward Darnell King scored the opening goal before United FC's Pablo Campos scored twice in the second half including the game-winning goal in stoppage time.

Click Here for video highlights of the match.

The Strikers took the early lead on United FC when Darnell King was able to deflect a clearance attempt from United FC goalkeeper Matt VanOekel in the 9th minute and scored from yards away on the open net.

Both sides traded several scoring chances following the Strikers' goal with United FC getting a barrage in the 34th minute that ended without a clean shot on net.

Fort Lauderdale thought they had a golden chance in the 36th minute when Jemal Johnson was played through and crossed to a wide open Darnell King, but the play was called back for being offside.

Pablo Campos equalized for United FC in the 57th minute after a penalty kick goal, as his shot went off the crossbar and into the goal. The Strikers' Scott Gordon was called for a handball in the penalty area to draw the foul.

In the 64th minute, Hosman Ramos made an excellent run into the box, but his shot was right at VanOekel who made the save.

The Strikers were able to put several shots on goal in the second half. In the 70th minute, Pecka played a pass to Johnson who was able to shoot toward the near post with VanOekel once again making the save.

Pablo Campos scored the game-winning goal in second half stoppage time for United FC. Simone Bracalello played a cross following a corner kick attempt that Campos headed after the ball went over Strikers goalkeeper Matt Glaeser and behind the Strikers defense.

The Strikers return home to face the Atlanta Silverbacks on Saturday, June 15 at historic Lockhart Stadium. Tickets are available online at www.strikers.com or by calling the Strikers' ticket office at 954-606-0400.

Scoring Summary:

FTL - Darnell King (unassisted) 10'

MNU - Pablo Campos (penalty) 57'

MNU - Pablo Campos 90'+4

Caution Summary:

FTL - Scott Gordon - YC 27'

FTL - Toni Stahl - YC 63'

Lineups:

FTL: Matt Glaeser; Stephane Guillaume, Shavar Thomas (Stefan Antonijevic 70'), Scott Gordon, Daniel Arcila; Toni Stahl, Manny Gonzalez (Gonzalo De Mujica 72'), Pecka (Aly Alberto Hassan 87'); Jemal Johnson, Hosman Ramos, Darnell King

MNU: Matt VanOekel; Brian Kallman, Kyle Altman, Conor Tobin (Cristiano Dias 78'), Justin Davis; Kentaro Takada, Bryan Arguez, Miguel Ibarra (Sean DeSilva 78'), Simone Bracalello; Pablo Campos, Max Griffin (Travis Wall 70')

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