FORT LAUDERDALE – The Fort Lauderdale Strikers earned a hard-fought, point Saturday, May 21st on the road against the Atlanta Silverbacks with a final score of 0 – 0. The Strikers return to Lockhart Stadium Saturday, May 28th to face the Montreal Impact for the first time this season.
“We’re disappointed not to come away with three points, as I thought we were pretty good on the night,” said Head Coach Daryl Shore. “That being said, we are very happy get our first shutout of the year. We now need to regroup and get ready for a tough Montreal team.”
The Strikers held control in the first 25 minutes, having several chances on set plays. Defender Lance Laing sent in a long cross and forward Aaron Wheeler barely missed the target with his right foot. Midfielder Mike Palacio placed a corner kick on goal but Silverback goalkeeper, Felipe Quintero was able to hold onto the ball.
Early in the second half, Silverback defender, Matias Schnorf had a good opportunity on a corner kick heading the ball just outside of the goal frame.
Moments later, Eduardo Coudet stole the ball in the Strikers’ final third and rifled a shot just wide of the frame.
Toward the end of the second half, Patrick Otte started a run and sent in a through ball to second-half substitute Yoximar Granado. Granado played a cross through the box, but it was blocked by the Atlanta defense which held strong throughout the game.
Atlanta continued to press on their dead ball situations. With another chance on a corner, defender Willie Hunt got up over the Strikers’ defense and placed a shot on goal, but goalkeeper Matt Glaeser kept it out of the net.
The Strikers retaliated with their best opportunity of the game. Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet sent in a swinging cross and defender Cristian Arrieta redirected it at goal. Silverbacks’ keeper Miguel Quintero made a nice diving save, keeping the game scoreless.
Near the end of the match, Silverbacks’ forward Emsad Zahirovic found himself with a lot of open space and took a hard shot on goal, but Glaeser stepped up to ensure the Strikers’ first shutout of the season.
This match was the Strikers’ last road game before a three game home stand featuring the Montreal Impact, Puerto Rico Islanders, and NSC Minnesota Stars. The Strikers return home on Saturday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m. to square off against the Impact.
