The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are inviting female soccer fans of all ages to come celebrate Ladies Night at historic Lockhart Stadium on Saturday, May 11, when the team faces Minnesota United FC at 7:30 p.m. The Strikers will look to earn a victory against league-leading and unbeaten Minnesota to put themselves back in the race for the 2013 Spring Championship.

“We have a tough test as we know Minnesota has a talented group and have started the season very well,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “We have to continue to do the things that have been successful for us and make the most of our chances. Playing at home is a big advantage, as our fans always turn out to provide us with a boost.”

Fort Lauderdale has had time to recover and prepare for United FC as the Strikers are coming off a break as the idle NASL team last weekend. Fort Lauderdale’s previous matchup a 3-1 defeat in the Florida Derby against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Minnesota was in action at home against fellow unbeaten side Carolina, earning a 2-2 draw with offseason addition Etienne Barbara scoring both goals, his first of the season, for United FC.

“They have two of the NASL’s best scorers, in Campos and Barbara,” added Shore. “We have a lot of experience facing them and our back line knows they have to make good decisions and avoid mistakes.”

The Strikers were particularly stingy at home in 2012 and it is a form they want to recover in 2013. Fort Lauderdale allowed one goal or fewer in nine of 14 home games in the regular season last year, including four clean sheets.

Fort Lauderdale was dealt an extra dose of adversity when they learned goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, who started their previous match, would miss the rest of the 2013 season after sustaining a lacerated kidney against Tampa Bay. It was his first start and appearance of the season for the Strikers.

MATCH FACTS

FTL went 1W-1T-2L against MNU in 2012

FTL is 7W-7T-6L all-time against MNU (2006-2012)

Last meeting: July 18, 2012 FTL 2 – 1 MNU at NSC Stadium

LADIES NIGHT

Ladies Night at historic Lockhart Stadium will feature special offers, as well as the distribution of an invitation to a separate “Girls Day Out” event for all ladies in attendance.

Upon entry to Lockhart Stadium on May 11, all ladies will receive a voucher for 50% off any drink at the game (water, soda, beer or wine) and an invite to “Girls Day Out.”  The Strikers’ “Girls Day Out” event will take place on Saturday, June 22, from 10am to 12pm. During this invitation required, girls-only experience, participants will have the opportunity to watch the team practice, meet the players, take photos, get autographs and take part in a soccer clinic on the field at Lockhart Stadium.

WESTON NIGHT

The Strikers will also be honoring the city of Weston with a special appearance by Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer, who will participate in the honorary first kick of the game. Also in attendance will be the Weston AYSO youth soccer club, whose players will be given the opportunity to participate in a post-game autograph session with Strikers players on the field at Lockhart Stadium.

RED FORCE HONORED

At halftime of the game, the Strikers will be honoring Red Force, a Miami-based USASA soccer club known for their excellent showing in the Copa Latina, as they have qualified for the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Red Force will be playing against the Ocala Stampede at Florida International Soccer Stadium in Miami, Fla. on Tuesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

NEXT UP

The Strikers travel to San Antonio to face the Scorpions for the first time at the brand new Toyota Field on Saturday, May 18, with an 8:30 p.m. ET kick off.