By: Orlando Greenwald
Two playoff games: Eight goals. The Strikers offense has been firing on full cylinders ever since the post season started, and the “quest for the cup” began. The Strikers won 3 to 1 in Puerto Rico late Saturday night.
Playing the first leg of the semifinals, the Strikers faced the Islanders in Puerto Rico. Having not lost a single game at home this season, the Islanders had all the confidence they needed. Yet, the Strikers came in having different plans. After a scoreless first half, where Abe Thompson was limited to touches, coach Daryl Shore made a substitution and brought in Martin Nunez.
In the 49th minute, just four minutes after come in, Martin scored a goal that came in from a Lance Laing cross.
In the 82th minute, Walter Restrepo added a second to the lead but was answered right back in the 84th by Jonathan Fana who shot the goal inside the box. The assist came from Gregory Richardson.
In stoppage time, Mike Palacio hooked up with Brian Shriver who scored his 3rd goal in 2 games. The goal came from an Islanders turnover that resulted in Palacio being wide open for the cross to Shriver.
“Obviously we are pleased with the result,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “We know we have areas to improve upon for the second leg. We know Puerto Rico is going to come in hungry and throw everything at us. We have to be prepared and ready for a battle next week.”
The Islanders now come to Ft. Lauderdale to face the Strikers in the second leg of the semifinals on October, 15th.
The Strikers have a 3-1 lead on aggregate and are that much closer to the Championship.
Tickets are still aviable for the October 15th game, and can be found at ttps://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/MFC/Online/default.asp
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