By: Orlando Greenwald
The Strikers had 10 days before their match against FC Edmonton to heal up and rest for the reminder of the season. Before Saturday, Coach Daryl Shores said “Hopefully the layoff heals some of our wounds. Guys were able to take a bit of a break and recharge our batteries. It was good to get away a little bit and now we all know the importance of the game Saturday night.”
Having more than 7 days between games is not new for the Strikers. In the two times before Saturday this has happened, the Strikers have been undefeated in each game, winning one and having a draw in another. Now they can add another win…
Facing the FC Edmonton for the 2nd time this season, and first time since the inaugural game of the season, the Strikers hosted FC Edmonton and their orange and white jerseys worn by the 1982 Edmonton Drillers of the old NASL.
The starting lineup was different, most noticeable was moving Brain Shriver from right wing to a striker in their formation, “To be honest I’ve played forward my whole club career and in college and I feel comfortable.” Scoring two goals, Shriver comfortable level was noticeable. An early one in the 14th minute and another in the 75minute, Shriver’s speed and quickness gives him an advantage against defenders. During his 2nd goal, who took a defender one on one and with his first step, blew by him, and ripped a shot top corner in front of the goalie.
“Shriver was active tonight and we were able to finish our chances,” said Shore. “Bryan Arguez did a great job in the middle tonight. Having Gerson Mayen back from Chivas USA is an added bonus. Walter Restrepo and Mike Palacio were good tonight as well.”
Another difference in the lineup was Walter Restrepo, his first game action this season. He had been practicing with the team all year, but with injuries to the team, the loan out of Paulinho LePetit, Lennon Celestino leaving back to his native country of Brazil, and the suspension of Eduardo Coudet, Restrepo was needed.
“Almost a whole year without playing 90 minutes, it was kinda hard, different style of soccer [from Colombia] but I’m adapting and getting my stamina back.”
Overall, the Strikers looked much quicker and faster. Abe Thompson, the new captain of the team had a goal for his own in the 29th minute and had the assist to Brain Shriver in the first goal of the game.
The win is important, with only 10 games reminding now in the season, FC Edmonton is a potential playoff opponent.
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers face the league leading Carolina Railhawks, Saturday, August 6 at 7:30p.m. For tickets, you can call the Strikers front office at (954) 606-0400, visit the Strikers office on the north side of Lockhart Stadium, or if you can’t make the games, all Strikers matches are streamed live online at STRIKERS.com. You can also follow the game live on Facebook and Twitter by following @FTLStrikers.