Strikers Extend Unbeaten Streak, Top Fury FC In Ottawa

Photo credit: Steve Kingsman/Freestyle Photography

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers left Canada’s capital city with three points after grinding out a 2-1 victory over Ottawa Fury FC at TD Place on Friday night. Goals from forwards Maicon Santos and Giuseppe Gentile helped the Strikers extend their unbeaten streak to four games and continue their rapid ascent up the NASL Spring Season Standings.

The visitors didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard, with Santos putting the finishing touches on a well-worked counterattack in the 8^th minute. Aside from the goal, though, Fort Lauderdale spent the better part of the first half defending repeated attacks from Fury FC. Strikers goalkeeper Diego Restrepo was called into action on a number of occasions, thwarting efforts from Marcel De Jong and Carl Haworth, among others.

Shortly after coming on as a substitute, Gentile doubled Fort Lauderdale’s lead, firing a low shot from outside the box that swerved under the hands of Ottawa goalkeeper Romuald Peiser. Restrepo remained busy in the Strikers’ goal, coming up with an impressive save to deny Fury FC defender Fernando Timbo. The hosts finally made the breakthrough in the 80^th minute when Haworth converted from the penalty spot, but Ottawa failed to find the equalizer, snapping its nine-game home unbeaten streak.

For more on the game, visit strikers.com and ottawafuryfc.com.