The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played to a 2-2 tie against the Puerto Rico Islandes in their second away match of a four game road trip. Scoring in the 89th and 90th minute by each team made for a dramatic result. The Strikers extended their record to a three-game unbeaten streak and look to continue the trend Saturday, May 7th against the NSC Minnesota Stars. Earlier this season the Strikers and Stars played to a 1-1 draw.
“We are extremely disappointed with the way we let three points slip away tonight after we battled to get the lead late, “ said Strikers Head Coach Daryl Shore. “We will learn from this and keep trying to get it right in the future.”
The Strikers carried the momentum through the early minutes of the first half. The first game-changing play came in the 36th minute when Strikers forward Aaron Wheeler was fouled in the penalty box. Puerto Rico’s defender, Jay Needham was issued a red card when he intentionally kicked Wheeler in the box after the play.
After a 5-minute delay, Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet buried his third straight penalty kick in three games for the Strikers. This goal in the 41st minute propelled the Strikers to a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half was a battle to the finish for both teams. Strikers goalkeeper Nic Platter had several saves in the later stages of the match. The Islanders tied the game at 1-1 in the 75th minute when Nicholas Addlery scored with a well-placed header into the left corner of the net.
Strikers substitute Scott Gordon made an impact in his first appearance this season when he scored the game’s third goal. Gordon slid his shot into the lower right corner from eight yards out in the 89th minute.
Seconds later Puerto Rico retaliated when Gregory Richardson tied the game 2-2 in the 90th minute with a breakaway run into the Strikers defensive end. The Strikers go to 1-2-1 on the season as Puerto Rico goes to 3-1-0.
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