The Fort Lauderdale Strikers will make the short trip down to Miami Shores to play Mark Anderson’s alma mater, Barry University, in the team’s fourth preseason game on Saturday, March 16, at 6pm. Admission for the match is free and open to the public.

The Strikers are coming off a 1-0 victory on Wednesday night against Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. The match was the preseason debut for the previously mentioned Anderson and new Strikers defender Shavar Thomas who played about 60 minutes paired with Toni Ståhl. The game’s goal came from trialist Jemal Johnson with Anderson recording the assist.

“We are starting to push our starters more now,” said head coach Daryl Shore. “We are anticipating about 75 minutes for our regulars and going forward the space for trialists will be limited as we prepare for April 6.”

During preseason in 2012, the Strikers defeated Barry by a final score of 7-2. The game came just two days after Mark Anderson signed with the club and he had a goal and an assist in the match for Fort Lauderdale. Andy Herron recorded a hat-trick in the game, and Walter Restrepo scored twice and Polo Morales also chipped in a goal.

Anderson makes the return to Barry after a stellar debut season for the Strikers where he led the team in goals with 11 during the NASL season and was named to the league’s Best XI team.

“Obviously, going back to where I played four years and had a lot of success is going to be nice,” said Anderson. “To play against some of my friends and my old coaches is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Just two games remain on the preseason schedule as tune ups for the season. Fort Lauderdale will play against Nova Southeastern University on Wednesday, March 20, and Florida Atlantic University, March 23, to complete the schedule.

Fort Lauderdale opens the 2013 NASL Spring season at historic Lockhart Stadium on Saturday, April 6, against FC Edmonton.

Current Team (16): 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, Andy Herron, Shavar Thomas

Trialists: Stefan Antonijevic, Phil Boerger, Lionel Brown, Nicholas Chase, Justin Chavez, Stephane Guillaume, Mike Dietze, Jemal Johnson, Eduardo Jimenez, Cody Laurendi, Michael Munoz, Carlos Salazar, David Santamaria, Kenold Versailles, Tony Walls.

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

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