At the young age of 20, Fort Lauderdale Strikers forward, David Santamaria scored his first professional goal in the 90^th minute against the Carolina RailHawks. With Santamaria growing up in Miami, FL, this goal rings in a start for the local standout.

David was a standout in his high school career at Miami Sunset Senior High School. With Miami FC close in proximity, Santamaria caught the eye of the organization and he began playing for their Youth Academy. Soon after, he accepted a scholarship from Jacksonville University where he played for one season.

Immediately following his freshman year, Santamaria turned professional. During a combine held by Traffic Sports, David impressed the team owners and was offered a two-week tryout at Traffic Sports Soccer Academy in Brazil.

While in Brazil, he quickly turned heads and was soon signed by the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. “Being sent over there was good. I got to train at a good facility, it allowed me to get better and play at a good level,” said Santamaria.

This past Wednesday, against the Carolina RailHawks, David entered the game as a substitute for Midfielder Brian Shriver. In the 89^th minute, Santamaria wove through the defense and held a defender off to score a curled shot into the top half of the goal. The goal brought the Strikers back into the game, making it 3 – 2, with time still left to play.

This was his first professional goal, a landmark in his promising career. “It felt nice. Very nice. Even though we were down in the game, it felt good,” said Santamaria.

The Strikers return home to Lockhart Stadium, Saturday, May 14^th to take on in-state rivals FC Tampa Bay at 7:30 p.m. To get your tickets, visit here or call (954)606-0400.