FORT LAUDERDALE – The NASL announced its selections for their Best XI team and Fort Lauderdale Strikers defenders Lance Laing and Toni Stahl were two of the four defenders chosen. The team was selected by a vote among the technical staffs of all eight teams in the NASL.
“Congratulations to both Toni and Lance, it’s well deserved,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “It’s a testament to them and also to our team. We’ve had a lot of players who’ve had to step in and perform, it’s a reward for those players and our whole back line.”
Laing and Stahl are second and third on the Strikers in minutes played respectively. They have been consistent players who helped Fort Lauderdale hold their opponents to one goal or less in 18 of 28 games this season, including eight shutouts.
The Best XI Team consists of two forwards, four midfielders, four defenders and one goalkeeper. Also selected to the NASL’s Best XI team was forwards Etienne Barbara (Carolina) and Mike Ambersley (Tampa Bay), midfielders David Foley (Puerto Rico), Shaun Saiko (Edmonton), Matt Watson (Carolina), and Pascal Millien (Tampa Bay), defenders Hassoum Camara (Montreal) and Kupono Low (Carolina), along with goalkeeper Brad Knighton (Carolina).
Lance Laing has provided the Strikers with excellent speed and versatility from his left back position. The goal he scored this season was very important as it was the game-tying goal on the road against the Montreal Impact. Laing has also contributed an assist on the season.
Toni Stahl makes his presence felt with his marking ability. Several times, the Strikers found themselves with Stahl as the last line of defense and he has found a way to dispossess the opponent and clear the back line. Stahl is second on the team in fouls committed.
Laing, 23, is a native of Trelawny, Jamaica where he also began his professional career with local clubs Harbourview FC and Village United. He has also represented the Jamaican National Team several times at the U-17 level in 2004-2005 and the senior national team in 2008-2009.
Stahl, 26, is originally from Tuusula, Finland where he played with several teams including FC Espoo. After being named 2009 Big East Midfielder of the Year at the University of Connecticut, Stahl was drafted in the second round (17th overall) by the Philadelphia Union in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.
