PREVIEW | Strikers vs. Indy

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers head into the final home match of the NASL Spring Season following a 1-1 draw on the road against the San Antonio Scorpions. San Antonio got the scoring started in the 21st minute on a goal by Joseph Nane. The Strikers would go on to level the match just before halftime on a goal from Stefano Pinho, the first of his Strikers career.

The goal snapped a scoreless streak in NASL play for the Strikers (2W-2D-4L, 8 points) that stretched back to the 3-2 victory against Ottawa Fury FC on April 25. Stefano was named to the NASL Team of the Week for his effort. At the other end, goalkeeper Lionel Brown earned Play of the Week recognition for his second-half save on a strike by Martin Chavez.

Saturday’s opponent, Indy Eleven, are coming off a 2-2 draw against another Floridian side, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Eleven (1-4-3, 7) opened the scoring in the first half, before Tampa Bay hit back with two of their own. The Rowdies looked to have secured all three points, but Indy would score late in stoppage time to walk away with a draw at home. Kyle Hyland was named Player of the Week for his equalizer in the 98th minute.

On Tuesday, Indy Eleven announced that Juergen Sommer was relieved of his duties as head coach and former assistant Tim Regan would coach the club in an interim basis. Assistant coach Paul Telfer was also let go. Veteran midfielder and World Cup-winner Kleberson will serve as an assistant coach while he recovers from injury.

Indy is in their second year in the NASL, and in the club’s maiden campaign, they were unable to claim a victory over the Strikers in three meetings, falling twice on the road, while managing a scoreless draw at home.

The Strikers currently occupy 8th place in the 11-team NASL Spring Season standings, while the Eleven are currently at the bottom.