News

Preview of Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Puerto Rico Islanders

Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m. – Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium – Bayamon, Puerto Rico

What’s at Stake:

The Strikers (8W-6T-8L) currently hold fourth place in the NASL standings with 30 points, four points behind the third place Islanders.

Matchup:

The Strikers make their way south to face the third-place Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday. In order to come away with points, the Strikers will have to adapt to some tough personnel losses this past week. First, star midfielder Walter Restrepo tore his ACL in training in a non-contact injury. Then Andy Herron was suspended for two matches following an incident in Fort Lauderdale’s game against Carolina last Saturday.

The Strikers have played with several different lineups this season and will rely on their adaptability to compete with a Puerto Rico team which is almost unbeatable at home.

Saturday’s match takes place at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. It is the first game for the Islanders back in their home this year. Until now they have played their home games at Bayamon Soccer Complex.

Puerto Rico’s last game at the stadium was a 3-1 loss to the Strikers in last year’s playoffs.

The Strikers have a win and a loss against the Islanders this season. The victory featured the breakthrough performance from Aly Hassan when he scored a hat-trick for the Strikers.

Fort Lauderdale midfielder Mark Anderson becomes the focus of the attack for the Strikers, along with Abe Thompson who has a goal and four assists on the season. Anderson has scored several highlight reel goals as part of his 11 this season and will attempt to write his name on the score sheet again.

Puerto Rico is coming off a 1-0 loss in Edmonton after making the longest trip in the NASL and playing short-handed due to several players being out of the lineup after being called to service for the Puerto Rican National Team and their friendly against Spain on Aug. 15.

Islanders Alexis Rivera, Noah Delgado, Richard Martínez, Anthony Vázquez, Andrés Perez and Héctor “Pito” Ramos were all chosen in the starting lineup against Spain. Marco Vélez, Joshua Hansen, Joseph “Jackie” Marrero and Tyler Wilson came off the bench to help the Blue Hurricane.

NEXT HOME GAME – World Record Night!

August 25 @ 7:30 p.m., Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. San Antonio Scorpions

On Saturday, Aug. 25, Fort Lauderdale returns home to Lockhart Stadium for “World Record Night” against the league-leading San Antonio Scorpions.

The Strikers and their fans will attempt to set a new world record for the most people wearing sunglasses in the dark. The team will distribute free Strikers sunglasses to fans in attendance while supplies last, and fans are encouraged to bring their own shades to help set a new record at Lockhart Stadium.

Contact info@strikers.com or call (954) 606-0400 for more information.  Follow the Strikers on Twitter @FTLStrikers and like us on Facebook to get the latest news and updates from South Florida’s professional soccer team.  All Strikers NASL matches are streamed live on http://www.strikers.com/live.

MATCH FACTS:

• The Strikers are 1W-0T-1L against the Islanders this season
• The Strikers are 5W-8T-11L all-time against Puerto Rico
• The Strikers are 1W-3T-7L all-time at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium
• Walter Restrepo is tied for the NASL lead in assists (8)
• Mark Anderson is tied for the second-most goals this season (11)
• Matt Glaeser is second in the league in saves (82)
• Matt Glaeser has played every minute so far this season (1,980)
• Mark Anderson leads the NASL in shots (72)