News

In a reverse of last week’s fixture, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers host FC Edmonton at Lockhart Stadium, Saturday night, the Strikers hoping to rebound from the 1-0 defeat suffered in Edmonton. In that match, the Strikers lost Andy Herron to injury before missing a first half penalty by Abe Thompson. Despite playing down a man for nearly two-thirds of the match, Edmonton ran out 1-0 winners in front of the home crowd.

With an important win against the Rowdies on June 2^nd, the Strikers looked to be heading out of rough patch that saw the team pick up just two points from five matches. However, without key attacking players Mark Anderson and Walter Restrepo, the Strikers struggled to test the Edmonton defense.

Edmonton’s victory over the Strikers came a week after the side’s  loss to last place Atlanta Silverbacks. The win was a much-needed three points for the Eddies, keeping them on pace with Carolina and a step above the Silverbacks.

Antonio Rago’s suspension and Andy Herron’s injury could mean that both teams will be without key players. A win for the Strikers would keep them firmly in fourth, while a loss could send the Florida side tumbling down the standings.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. FC Edmonton

Saturday, June 16, 2012— 7:30 P.M. EDT

Lockhart Stadium

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Webcast:  NASL on ustream

2012 Series:  Tied, 1-0-1, 3pts

2011 Series:  Strikers, 2-1-1, 7pts  

                                              Fort Lauderdale                Edmonton          

Head Coach                        Daryl Shore                    Harry Sinkgraven

2012 Records                    4^th: 3-4-4, 13pts            6^th: 3-2-5, 11pts

Last Five Games               L L D W L                         W L D L W

Goals Leader                     Mark Anderson (4)          Shaun Saiko (5)

Assists Leader                 Walter Restrepo (4)        Shaun Saiko (4)

QUICK FACTS

Fort Lauderdale

• The Strikers have lost just once at home all season.
• Mark Anderson has scored a goal in four of his last five NASL matches, and six in the last seven when including Open Cup play.
• Fort Lauderdale has won just one of their last seven league matches.

Edmonton

• A win would see the Eddies move ahead of the Strikers in the standings, with a game in hand.
• Goalkeeper Lance Parker was names the NASL Defensive Player of the Week.
• Shaun Saiko, the NASL Player of the Month for May, leads the Eddies in goals and assists, and has taken the most shots of any player in the league.