Fresh off a 5-0 victory against Nova Southeastern University, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers will make a quick trip up I-95 to face the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls for the final match of the 2013 preseason schedule.

With the shutout win against Nova on Wednesday night, the Strikers maintained their winning preseason record. The team has won all five of their preseason matches, and is yet to concede a single goal.

Said head coach Daryl Shore following the win, “I thought we were sharp and defended pretty well. All in all we are pleased with the effort and happy we did well with our chances.”

Stefan Dimitrov scored a hat-trick against Nova, increasing his preseason tally to a team-high six goals in four appearances. David Foley and Andy Herron—both making their first appearances this preseason—each scored a goal on either side on Dimitrov’s third.

FAU are coached by Kos Donev. The team had a 2-1-13 (W-T-L) record in 2012, scoring just 8 goals while conceding 34. Last preseason, the Owls held the Strikers to a 1-1 draw.

Versatile Strikers attacker Darnell King played four years at FAU. He was ranked tenth best player in the entire Mid-American Conference by TopDrawerSoccer.com, the only non-Akron player on the list. King was named to the NSCAA All-North Atlantic Region and collected second team all-conference honors.

With a shutout victory on Saturday, the Strikers could head into the 2013 NASL Spring Championship season on the back of a flawless preseason campaign.

Tickets are $5 for adults. Children under 13, wearing their club jersey, are admitted free, as are FAU students and staff. At halftime, fans will have a chance to participate in the Flying High Soccer Ball Kick Contest. Contestants will compete to see who has the furthest kick. The Owls and Strikers will have a post-game autograph session at the field.

At Lockhart Stadium earlier in the day is the Historic Lockhart Stadium Community Restoration Day event. Strikers fans are encouraged to come help as we restore, renew and revitalize the home of soccer in South Florida. More information can be found here. 

The team will host an invitation only VIP Strikers Night the following Saturday at Lockhart Stadium to show off changes to the stadium and for fans to the meet the players.

Fort Lauderdale opens the 2013 NASL Spring season at historic Lockhart Stadium on Saturday, April 6, against FC Edmonton. Season tickets for 2013 are on sale now by calling (954)606-0400.

Current Team (17): Daniel Arcila, Toni Ståhl, Hosman Ramos, David Foley, Pecka, Walter Restrepo, Stefan Dimitrov, Ivan Guerrero, Scott Gordon, Gonzalo De Mujica, Mark Anderson, Darnell King, Manny Gonzalez, Matt Glaeser, Rubens Pinheiro, Andy Herron, Shavar Thomas

Fort Lauderdale Strikers Preseason Schedule

March 8            at FIU Panthers                         W 1-0                Santamaria

March 10           at Copa Latina All-Stars             W 3-0                De Mujica, Dimitrov, Gonzalez

March 13           at FGCU Eagles                        W 1-0                Johnson

March 16           at Barry Buccaneers                  W 5-0                Dimitrov (2), Anderson (2), Jimenez

March 20           at NSU Sharks                          W 5-0                Dimitrov (3), Foley, Herron

March 23           at FAU Owls                             

Strikers season tickets for the 2013 season are on sale now by calling (954) 606-0400.

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