Strikers Extend Lockhart Stadium Deal; Re-Sign Andy Herron

It took the Fort Lauderdale Strikers one day to make two moves that will impact the landscape of soccer in South Florida for the upcoming season. In the first move, the Strikers struck a deal that will give them operational control of Lockhart Stadium for the entire 2013 season.

The agreement was unanimously approved by the Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Wednesday night, “We would like to express our appreciation to the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Commission and staff, along with the FAA, for working with us to ensure a timely resolution of our Lockhart Stadium license agreement,” said Strikers managing director Tim Robbie.

“We are looking forward to our first full year as historic Lockhart Stadium’s operating entity, and to another successful season for the Strikers,” added Robbie.

Robbie is leading Fort Lauderdale’s effort to pursue a permanent home at a significantly renovated Lockhart Stadium or at a new soccer-specific stadium in South Florida.

The Strikers will play 15 home games during the NASL regular season at Lockhart Stadium next year, as well as hosting at least one match in the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Strikers also announced they have re-signed forward Andy Herron to a deal for the 2013 season with a club option for 2014.

In his first season with the Strikers, the 34 year old played 18 games with 16 starts.

Herron also scored eight goals, and had two assists on the season. His eight goals placed him sixth overall in the NASL.

In 2012, Herron earned the NASL Offensive Player of the Week honor twice, joining teammates Abe Thompson, Jack Stewart, Mark Anderson, and Conor Shanosky as Striker players who have won the award.

Herron, a native of Costa Rica, has also played with MLS-side Chicago Fire from 2004-2006 and again in 2008. He was an essential part of the club and even scored the game-winning goal versus the Los Angeles Galaxy to win the Lama Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2006.

In 2004 Herron played at Club Sport Herediano in Costa Rica where he led them to the country’s championship in 2004.

“We are excited to return our second leading scorer for this year’s NASL season,” said Strikers head coach Daryl Shore. “Even though he only played in 18 games last year, Andy proved he could be a top goal scorer in our league and we are excited he is back in the red and yellow.”