Strikers Defeat Old Dominion University in Preseason
By: Steven Bernasconi
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers remain unbeaten in preseason matches, defeating Old Dominion University 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Fort Lauderdale Stadium.
Head Coach Daryl Shore fielded a strong starting eleven with Matt Glaeser in goal, Toni Ståhl anchoring the defense, and Abe Thompson paired up top with Andy Herron. Recent addition Jack Stewart started at right back, while Lance Laing returned to the opposite flank. Conor Shanosky and Alfonso Motagalvan controlled the midfield, with Polo Morales deployed ahead of them. Trialists Ernest Mba and Josey Portillo were also given starts.
Old Dominion University, from Norfolk, Virginia, weren’t intimidated lining up against professional opposition; on Monday the college side had played Orlando City Soccer Cub of the USL. The Monarchs started the first half against the Strikers with great intent, but were unable to create any clear-cut chances.
The college side would soon get punished for some sloppy defending when Conor Shanosky drew a foul outside the box. The resulting free kick was steered around the wall and beyond the goalkeeper’s reach by Lance Laing, putting the Strikers on the board first. Laing had only just arrived in Fort Lauderdale earlier in the week following training stints with the Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. It was a sensational way to announce his return.
The Strikers would continue to create chances, but were unable extend their lead before halftime. Coach Shore made several changes after the interval, bringing Scott Lorenz, Pat Otte, and Abel Gebor into the mix.
Polo Morales was put through with just the goalkeeper to beat, but somehow the keeper managed to deflect the shot wide. Polo would have another chance on the ensuing corner. After a failed clearance landed at his feet, his shot rebounded hard off the post, and was tapped in by Andy Herron.
Pat Otte continued to show the potential which made him such a promising prospect before his injury last season. The young winger created several chances from the left, and combined well with Scott Lorenz down the flank.
Shore continued to make changes to the side, replacing many of those already on the roster with those hoping to make the team. Trialists Lionel Brown and David Martin, who will be fighting for a spot as Glaeser’s backup, both saw little action during their time in net.
Into the final minutes of the match the Strikers slowed the game down and kept possession of the ball to see out the match.
