FT. LAUDERDALE – South Florida’s most historic soccer venue will play host to a friendly match between CONCACAF nations when Guatemala and Panama face off at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on August 15 at 8:00p.m. EDT. The announcement was made by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, in partnership with Traffic Sports USA, the North American subsidiary of The Traffic Group. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers play in the North American Soccer League and play their home games at Lockhart Stadium. Contact Fort Lauderdale Media Relations for details regarding media accreditation.
“We’re excited to host this international match at Lockhart Stadium,” said Strikers team president Tim Robbie. “It will afford our fans an opportunity to see quality soccer from the CONCACAF region.”
Tickets start at just $25 and will go on sale to the general public starting on Monday, July 2 at www.STRIKERS.com and through the Strikers’ ticket office by calling (954)606-0400. Tickets will also be on sale at the Strikers home game against the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, June 30. Fort Lauderdale Strikers season ticket holders will receive a special discount as a plan-holder benefit. Discounts will also be available to groups of 20 or more.
The stars of Guatemala, including Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz (Veracruz – Mexico) and Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire – MLS); and Panama, including Blas Perez (FC Dallas – MLS) and Felipe Baloy (Santos Laguna – Mexico) have all been recent fixtures for their country’s national teams.
Both Panama and Guatemala will use this match to continue preparing for their attempt to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Panama have won their last two matches and lead their qualifying group. Results in their two matches against Canada in September will put them in excellent position to advance past the third round of qualifying.
Guatemala are in form as well, having tied the United States at home this month. They play two qualifying matches against Antigua and Barbuda in September. Guatemala are in the same qualifying group as the United States and Jamaica and will look for positive results to put them in a position to advance to the final round of qualifying.
“We look forward to working with both the Panamanian and Guatemalan communities in order to create a festive atmosphere for the match,” said Robbie.
South Florida’s reputation as a melting pot of Latin nations makes Lockhart Stadium an ideal location to host this match. The metropolitan area surrounding Fort Lauderdale is home to the fourth largest population of residents of Guatemalan descent in the nation with more than 47,000. The same area is home to the second largest population of residents of Panamanian heritage in the United States with more than 13,000 people.
The national team of Panama is currently ranked third in CONCACAF by FIFA, trailing only Mexico and the United States. Guatemala is ranked 11th in CONCACAF. The last meeting between the two teams came on January 27, 2009 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with Panama winning 1-0.
