FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (APRIL 22, 2011) - The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will be on the road for this first time this season. On Saturday, April 23 they take on the Atlanta Silverbacks at the Silverbacks Sports Center at 7:30 p.m. This is the beginning of a four game road trip with stops in Atlanta, Puerto Rico, Minnesota and Carolina. The Strikers return home of Saturday May 14th to square off with their cross state rivals, FC Tampa Bay.
About the Strikers
The Strikers hit the road this Saturday after an exciting 1-1 draw in front of 4442 fans at Lockhart Stadium. Even though the Strikers dominated possession for most of the game, they need some last minute heroics from Eduardo “El Chacho” Coudet. Coudet tied the game by converting a penalty kick in the 90th minute. The Strikers will be looking to bring their momentum to the road this week as they begin a 3 game road trip leading up to the May 14th derby against FC Tampa Bay at Lockhart Stadium.
“Were coming to Atlanta to play for three points. We understand it’s not going to be easy because even though Atlanta has lost their first two games, we know they are a good team. Everyone has the same mindset, this is the first away game of the season, and we have to go in there and steal points”, said Head Coach Daryl Shore.
About Atlanta
The Silverbacks are coming off two consecutive loses against NSC Minnesota and FC Edmonton. The Silverbacks opened the 2011 NASL campaign at home with a 2-1 lose to NSC Minnesota. The following week the Silverbacks were the host to the Strikers opening dayopponent FC Edmonton. Edmonton went ahead early in the 11th minute as defender Alex Surprenant drove in a 35 yard laser to give Edmonton the lead. The goal proved to be the deciding goal of the match as Atlanta’s second half attack could not manage to draw the Silverbacks level. This week Atlanta will be looking to improve on their previous performances as the young side will be receiving a considerable boost to their roster. Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Emsad Zahirovic gained eligibility will be looking to see his first action this week as he was recently deemed eligible to play. Defender Patrick Robertson will also be looking to make his first cap after returning from injury.
Atlanta Reunion
Zach Kirby and Martyn Lancaster will be making their first return trip to Atlanta since leaving the Silverback two years ago to join the then Miami FC Blues. Lancaster scored the Strikers first goal of the season two weeks ago in a 2-1 loss to FC Edmonton.
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