Strikers loss extends winless streak to five
FORT LAUDERDALE — Another Fort Lauderdale Strikers outing ended with the same lackluster performance.
This time the Strikers lost 2-1 against last place Indy Eleven on a goal from Victor Pineda in the 90th minute before 5,083 fans at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday.
The loss extended the Strikers (2-4-3) winless streak to five games. The setback moves the Strikers into a last place tie with the Atlanta Silverbacks with eight points.
“It’s always a disappointing ending when you lose in the last minute,” said Strikers defender Fabian Kling. “It wasn’t our best game from getting chances, but to me it seemed we had them under control most of the game.
“We just couldn’t put them away. That’s been the story of our life so far.”
The two sides had minimal chances in the second half. Those the Strikers managed were weak at best that lead to easy saves.
Frustration is clearly mounting for the Strikers during their five game streak without a victory.
“It’s frustrating for us,” Strikers forward Stefano Pinho, who scored his team lone goal. “We worked hard to end the Spring Season at home with a victory, but we couldn’t do it today.”
During the streak the Strikers have managed to score only two goals. Their nine on the season is near the cellar of the North American Soccer League
For much of the first half the Strikers struggled with continuity. Not only did they have trouble finding open teammates moving the ball up field, spacing wasn’t the best either.
Despite those troubles the Strikers managed to earn a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.
Midfielder Dani Sanchez found Pinho deep inside the penalty box scoring on a header to the near post past Indy keeper Kristian Nicht. It was Pinho’s second goal in as many games.
It was also the Strikers first lead since defeating Ottawa 3-1 on April 25.
“We are working hard, but were trying not to give up a lot of room,” Pinho said. “It is little frustrating to give up so much space to the other team.”
Though Indy was held to only a shot on goal in the half, it proved costly.
Just before the half Dylan Mares found Victor Pineda just outside the box. Pineda’s right-footed shot found the goal just inside the right post tying the score at 1-1 in the 44th minute.
Brazil bound
The Strikers are finaliz- ing negotiations to play Ponte Preta of “Série A” in Campinas, Brazil on June 20. It will be the Strikers trip to the South American country.
Ponte Preta is recognized, by FIFA, as one of the first teams in the Americas to accept black players, since its foundation in 1900. It is also the first countryside team to play a national competition, in 1970.
Pelé’s last match in Brazil was against Ponte Preta on Sept. 2, 1974, at Vila Belmiro stadium.
Marcelin gets call
Strikers midfielder James Marcelin has been named to the Haiti national team’s 35-man preliminary roster for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Haiti will name its 23-man roster on June 22. Marcelin has previously been a member of the Haiti Gold Cup teams in 2007 and 2009.