FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2012) – The Fort Lauderdale Strikers have resigned forward Abe Thompson for the 2012 season. Thompson has also been named assistant coach, replacing Jim Rooney who was named assistant coach for the U-17 US Men’s national team. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

 

“My goal is to win a championship this season,” said Thompson. “We got very close last year, but our focus is to make it back there and win. As a coach I’ll be the player’s voice in our coaches meetings, so I can let Daryl know when I feel the team needs to train harder and when we need a rest.”

 

Thompson has played three seasons for the Strikers and is third all time in goals with 13. With six goals this season he would pass original Miami FC forward Romario as the team’s all-time leader in goals.

 

“Abe has been one of the leaders, on and off the field, since I arrived,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “Abe is a guy who I wanted back on the field and with Jim Rooney leaving, we felt like we didn’t have to go outside the team to bring in our next assistant coach.”

 

Shore can offer Thompson some help adjusting to his new role as player and coach because he performed in a similar capacity while with the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers earlier in his career.

 

“It was a great stepping stone for me and I feel like Abe is a good fit for the position,” said Shore.

 

The last player/coach for the Strikers was Zinho, who recorded five goals and five assists in 2007 while serving as assistant coach.

 

Shriver Traded to Carolina; Santamaria and Quinones Reassigned

 

Strikers forward Brian Shriver has been traded to the Carolina RailHawks. Shriver requested the trade in order to pursue opportunities outside of soccer near his alma mater at the University of North Carolina. In return, the Strikers received cash and future considerations from the RailHawks.

 

Strikers players David Santamaria and Cristian Quinones have been reassigned by Traffic Sports USA and will not be with the team this season. Details of their reassignment have not been disclosed.

 

Season tickets for the 2012 regular season are on sale now by calling (954)606-0400. All Strikers games are streamed live online at STRIKERS.com. Follow the Strikers on facebook and twitter @FTLStrikers.