Strikers Can Clinch Final Postseason Spot Against Armada FC

A sellout crowd will be on hand Sunday afternoon at Community First Park as the Strikers take on Jacksonville Armada FC in the final match of the regular season. While Jacksonville will only be playing for pride in front of its home crowd, Fort Lauderdale could be playing for the chance to join the New York Cosmos, Ottawa Fury FC, and Minnesota United FC in The Championship-- the North American League Soccer League’s (NASL) four-team postseason tournament.​

“The team is looking good as always," Strikers head coach Günter Kronsteiner said. "As we have seen in the last few games, the league is extremely competitive. We are in fifth place with one game to go and Tampa Bay plays against one of the top teams [New York Cosmos] Saturday. On paper our game is easier, but we know this team [Jacksonville Armada FC] is not easy to play either because it is the last home game for them and they of course want to show their fans a good performance. It will be a tough game because of the situation but we are prepared. The team is practicing well, so I am confident that we can make the playoffs again.”

Fate switched hands last Saturday when the Strikers dropped a 2-1 decision at Indy Eleven. The Tampa Bay Rowdies picked up a 1-0 victory at home to climb into fourth spot over their Florida rivals and control their own postseason destiny.

The fourth-place Rowdies currently have 39 points, one more than the Strikers in the Combined Standings, in competition for the fourth and final postseason spot. The Rowdies travel to face the New York Cosmos on Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET at Shuart Stadium. With a win Saturday night, Tampa Bay will book their spot in The Championship at the expense of Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale can secure the remaining postseason berth under the following scenarios:

• A Rowdies loss or tie Saturday and a Strikers win

• A Rowdies loss Saturday and a Strikers tie or win

Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville have met twice in 2015, though Sunday’s encounter will be the first official match between the Coastal Cup rivals held in Jacksonville. The Strikers won both previous meetings, 2-1, on April 11, and, 2-0, on September 16 at Lockhart Stadium.