PREVIEW | Strikers Aim To Cool Down Red-Hot United

Stefano Pinho provided the firepower as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers returned to winning ways in thrilling fashion last Saturday, picking up a 4-2 victory in San Antonio. Marlon Freitas also struck for the Red & Gold while Stefano increased his season tally to a league-leading 15 goals, securing Player of the Week honors in the process.

Lionel Brown got the nod in goal after Josh Ford, who started the last 16 consecutive matches for Fort Lauderdale, was recalled by his parent club Orlando City SC. Also on the pitch were Iván Guerrero and PC, returning from injury and suspension, respectively. PC marked his comeback with a pair of assists and a place on the NASL Team of the Week.

The win ended the Strikers two match losing skid and lifted the club into the coveted fourth place in the NASL Combined Standings. If the season ended today, Fort Lauderdale would be in the postseason.

Fort Lauderdale would join Minnesota United FC, who has all but secured a berth in The Championship, the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament, with the club sitting comfortably in third place. The Loons are just two points out of first place, and hold a 12-point advantage over the Strikers in the Combined Standings. A draw on Saturday would guarantee Minnesota’s spot in The Championship.

The Loons carry a 10-match unbeaten streak (7W-3D-0L) heading into the weekend’s contest. Last Saturday, Minnesota picked up a 1-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies with Christian Ramirez scoring his 11th goal of the campaign.

Minnesota and Fort Lauderdale squared off just two weeks ago in South Florida. Strikers forward Jose Angulo opened and closed the scoring, but the Loons scored five times in between for a humbling 5-2 scoreline. The sides met in the Spring Season finale, with the Red & Gold handing Minnesota their only home defeat in 2015 in Iván Guerrero’s debut as interim head coach.

Injuries and suspensions have plagued the Strikers this season and this Saturday is no exception. The Red & Gold will be without a number of key players for the match, notably James Marcelin who has been called up by Haiti for their match against El Salvador. Regulars Jordan Graye (broken nose) and Gabriel (lower body injury) also miss the match, joining long-term absentees Jose Nasco (broken leg) and Fabian Kling (back) on the sidelines.