Strikers Head To Brazil For International Friendly In June

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will travel to Brazil to face Serie A side Ponte Preta in an international friendly on Saturday, June 20, at Estádio Moisés Lucarelli in Campinas, São Paulo. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time in Campinas).

“It is an honor for us to play Ponte Preta, a team with so much tradition,” Strikers managing partner Ricardo Geromel said. “The match not only gives the Strikers brand exposure, but also offers the players and team a challenge during our NASL break. This international experience will help us get ready for the Fall Season.”

Founded in 1900, Ponte Preta is one of the oldest teams in Brazil. The club competes in Brazil’s top flight after earning promotion from Serie B following a second-place finish in 2014. Ponte Preta is coached by Guto Ferreira and is currently third in the Brazilian Serie A.

The friendly is Fort Lauderdale’s second against Brazilian opposition, and first on foreign soil. Cruzeiro Esporte Clube visited Lockhart Stadium for an international friendly on June 23, 2013.

The Strikers last match outside of North America was against Don Bosco at Parc St. Therese in Pétionville, Haiti, during the 2014 preseason.

Fort Lauderdale concludes the 2015 NASL Spring Season on Saturday at Minnesota United FC. Game time is 8 p.m. ET.

The Strikers will host Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors at Lockhart in the Challenge Cup on Wednesday, July 1.