Strikers Continue to Add Talent to Roster

By: Pedro Heizer

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers continue to build their team for this upcoming season.

Even with the loss of players like Bryan Arguez, Brian Shriver, Martyn Lancaster and Michael Palacio, the Strikers have continued to sign players that complement the roster quite nicely.

In the past week, the Strikers have signed two very dynamic players. The first, Conor Shanosky is a 20 year old on season-long loan from DC United of Major League Soccer and the other is 19 year old Yoximar Granado who was already a member of the Strikers last season.

Both players will be great additions to the Strikers for a few reasons but one of the main reasons is the youthful movement they bring.

“We’re getting a good, homegrown player from DC United’s academy system,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore about Conor Shanosky. “He’s a big, strong kid who can play holding midfielder or center back for us.”

As for what Shore and the rest of the coaching staff expect from the 20 year old this season, “The goal for him is to come here, help us win a championship, and get him game experience so he can help them [DC United] in the future,” said Shore.

Coming back for another year is Columbian Yoximar Granado, a midfielder that helped the Strikers on their way to the NASL Championship Series.

“We are happy to have Yoximar back this year,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “He brings good speed to our group and can play a few different spots for us on the right side.”

Granado made his debut for the Strikers on April 15, 2011 as substitute. He went on to make five starts in 15 appearances for the Strikers last season and finished the season with one goal and one assist.

Shanosky made his debut for D.C. United’s senior team also as a substitute on May 22, 2011. And was also a member of the U.S. Men’s U-20 team who won the 2010 Milk Cup in Northern Ireland.