Pre-match: Strikers vs. Puerto Rico Islanders ::: Match 4

Discussion in 'Fort Lauderdale Strikers' started by Yahhh Steve, Apr 24, 2012.

  1. Yahhh Steve

    Yahhh Steve Member

    Feb 19, 2009
    South Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I know drSoFlaFan usually creates these, but the game is Wednesday and we didn't have a thread to discuss the match. Please forgive me!

    Wednesday, April 25 • Kickoff: 7:30 PM (Not 1:00)• Lockhart Stadium

    Big game for both teams. The Strikers "welcome" rivals Puerto Rico Islanders with an unbeaten season on the line for both teams. Despite a losing franchise history against the Islanders, the Strikers got the better of them last season with 3-2-1 record, including two dramatic wins and a draw at home.

    The Strikers are coming off of an ultimately disappointing a 2-2 draw with the San Antonio Scorpions, having conceded in the 90th minute, and then collecting a pair of unnecessary red cards. The team will have to make do without two leaders, Abe Thompson, and Toni Ståhl, who has been a rock at the back this season. Andy Herron, the only Striker to score so far this season, picked up his second NASL Offensive Player of the Week award for his pair of goals in San Antonio. He is currently tied at the top of the goalscorers chart with three goals this campaign.

    The Islanders sit atop the standings with 10 points from four games, and are coming off of a huge 3-1 victory over the RailHawks. David Foley and Fort Lauderdale's #1 enemy, Jonathan Faña, have picked up right where they left off last season in fantastic form, contributing to an attack that has already found the back of the net eight times. Goalkeeper David Martin, who served as backup to Ray Burse last season, has taken the starting role with aplomb, conceding just once in four games, and picking up two NASL Defensive Player of the Week awards. His solid start to the season has been a huge factor to the Islanders' success thus far.

    Head Coach Daryl Shore and the Strikers will have their work cut out for them in this one. Let's discuss.
     
  2. greenroom

    greenroom BigSoccer Supporter

    Apr 16, 2012
    Club:
    Colorado Rapids
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Good write up, but disagree with your comment about the unnecessary red cards, as both teams could of had more ran out of the game. But seeing both Islanders and the Strikers, both are good teams. The Islanders just have that great speed at the top that is hard to contain, but if you can, I think the Strikers will be able to get the 3 points.
     
  3. drSoFlaFan

    drSoFlaFan DEFEND THE FORT!

    Feb 25, 2008
    Plantation, FL
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'm slacking lol. Thanks for starting the thread(even picked up the same formatting for the title!).

    Will be a tough one but we played well against PR last year, except for that disaster game when Coach was arguing with the PR announcers and Chacho got that red card and suspension after that totally bogus penalty call.

    It looked like Coach got ejected on the webcast, and according to the box score it looks like that's the case:

    TM for Technical Manager? Best I can come up with. But that has to be Shore.

    That leaves Ricardo Lopes to manage this one, the other assistant coach is Abe, who also got red carded.

    We won't have Toni in the back but we will have Lance, who didn't play in the SA game.
     
  4. Yahhh Steve

    Yahhh Steve Member

    Feb 19, 2009
    South Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    In my opinion the cards were unnecessary because there is never a good reason for an altercation like that to happen in a second division regular season game. Ever. The boys need to demonstrate better self control, otherwise our poor discipline will end up catching up with us. To lose Toni Ståhl before a difficult game against the Islanders is a massive loss for us that cannot be understated, especially considering we are already incredibly thin at the back.

    As for Abe's red card, that was a poor challenge that simply did not need to be made. I have a ton of respect for the guy, and that's why I expect better decisions from a veteran like him.
     
  5. Yahhh Steve

    Yahhh Steve Member

    Feb 19, 2009
    South Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    My pleasure. And I had to keep it consistent, just a copy & paste.

    I know Lance was injured and didn't travel to the San Antonio game, but will he be fit for this one? His speed will be important for keeping Faña, Foley, and Addlery in check.

    While I think Lorenz is an excellent player, I think he struggled against the Scorpions at left back. I like having him on the field at the same time as Lance, with Lance making the overlapping runs and Lorenz holding back.
     
  6. Smoke & Mirrors

    Jul 18, 2010
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    Germany
    True the Strikers players could have handled things better, but I won't get too hard on them. It was a physcial game, some games are just that way. I'd rather they were giving it as good as they were getting it, then to let another team push them around. I'd just rather it was someone other than our best defender who got stuck in the middle and got the red card. LOL As for Abe, I think the straight red was way overboard. It was a late tackle, but it wasn't malicious in any way. I'd have no problem with him getting a yellow for a careless tackle. But I think the ref had just already decided in his head the next foul I see that could be a yellow is just getting a red instead because I've obviously lost control of this game. Plain and simple, but we pay the price.

    On to tonight. I do think the back line and Matt will face their toughest test so far, especially without Toni who so often makes a sterling play as the last defender against an opopsing rush. All four guys back there tonight are going to need to step up their game, big time. But I think it's just as important for the Strikers to really press hard, especially early for goals too. I think we're going to need to score two at least to come away with any kind of result tonight, so the Restrepo to Herron connection has got to continue for sure. We also need some other guys to start chipping in as well, or we're going to see opposing defenses all over those two guys daring anyone else to beat them. Here's my lineup prediction for tonight (assuming DR is right and Lance will be back, and by God I hope he is!):

    Glaeser
    Laing - Stewart - Orozco - Blake
    Lorenz - Restrepo - Shanosky - Morales (still killing me with this one)
    Herron - Hassan

    I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the game Shanosky played last Saturday. After a shaky start in the first couple of games, I felt like he really settled in and played well in that defensive MF role last week. Good for him, we'll need it to be consistent!
     
  7. Heggis27

    Heggis27 Member

    Jun 24, 2006
    Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Based on the webcast...who the hell knows. You can't red card a coach (or assistant), those are reserved for players...you can obviously ask that a coach or assistant be removed, but you aren't supposed to show the card. It could just as easily stand for team and whoever was scoring the game didn't figure it out...but if I had to guess, it's on Shore.
     
  8. Macsen

    Macsen Moderator
    Staff Member

    Nov 5, 2007
    Orlando
    Club:
    Orlando City SC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I thought it was possible for coaches to be red-carded. I'm fairly certain i've seen it before, else coaches could give the officials lip with impunity.
     
  9. unholyunion

    unholyunion Member

    Jan 21, 2011
    Club:
    Philadelphia Union
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Just a note, in theory the coach's rejection IS the redcard.

    As for the game so far: Thoughts at halftime:
    Islanders appeared to start strong with possession.
    Lots of change of posession.
    Good play.
    Strikers pressed for at least a good 15 mins.

    Aly Hassan's goal: the skill lies in putting it on frame, which i have no clue how he did.
    Restrepo: Why didn't he chip it or shoot a stride prior on that break away (flashes of watching the union)

    Home announcers: uh, what? Guy didn't mute the halftime mic, and had a conversation with the mic picking him up. SMH.

    Also, the Puerto Rican coach is vulgar and it's picked up. LOL'd at half of it.
     
  10. MLSinSTL

    MLSinSTL Member+

    Columbus Crew
    United States
    Mar 20, 2009
    Ohio - near a city
    Club:
    Columbus Crew
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Looked like Hassan had a great night with the game winning hatrick. How was the attendance for a Wednesday night game?
     
  11. LuckyStriker

    LuckyStriker Member+

    Favorite club? a German one..........
    Apr 14, 2010
    in exile-Statute of Limitations yet to expire
    Club:
    Philadelphia Union
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    It was the best of games, it was the worst of games..........

    Had a medical appt. I couldn't miss, and combined with the time change (game) I was only able to watch on remote but:

    Something about PR brings about the crazy in play /results.

    This game featured the rarest of Striker goals. No, not the perfect 35 yd header- I mean a quality Laing cross. :p

    Trying to imagine how much better the O would be if Restrepo could do more with breakaways than kicking them into keepers........

    Before the season began, I mentioned that I thought we would be much improved in terms of scoring-but worried about competence at the back.
    Off the last 2 matches......check.

    * full credit to the Islanders on the comeback attempt. Speed/depth/better coach than a year ago= best in NASL to date.

    For those who went:

    Clavijo's kid ( I think) was a guest in the booth in the 2nd half. Said he spoke directly to Herron-who told him doctors said he ripped all 3 ligaments.

    ACL + MCL + PCL / 33 yoa = congratulations on a great career.

    * hope they have the cash to bring F help in but if not.........

    Hassan: It's your show now son.
    Final from the Lock mess:

    Aly 3 Rico 2
     
  12. Antique

    Antique Member

    Nov 11, 2008
    the river of grass
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Sorry to hear about Herron. Looks like we'll be looking for help soon, but Aly is an excellent replacement.

    A 3-2 win over the best team in the league is a very satisfying result.
     
  13. Yahhh Steve

    Yahhh Steve Member

    Feb 19, 2009
    South Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Time to nip this rumor in the bud, so I'm just going to come right out and confirm that there is absolutely no truth to what Clavijo or anyone may have said. Herron is going for an MRI tomorrow, but I can guarantee you that he DID NOT tear three ligaments.He WILL NOT be out for the season.
     
  14. Heggis27

    Heggis27 Member

    Jun 24, 2006
    Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers

    It's not uncommon when a ref ejects a coach for him to be shown the red card...but a ref that actually does it isn't following what he's taught/supposed to do.
     
  15. Heggis27

    Heggis27 Member

    Jun 24, 2006
    Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    2754, a hell of a lot better than last season's Wednesday night game late in the season...and fairly respectable all things considered. I think it's safe to say at least around 2,000 were there.
     
  16. Heggis27

    Heggis27 Member

    Jun 24, 2006
    Florida
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers

    While I know nothing of the rumor, I can say an athletic trainer can determine if there are ligament problems without an MRI...fairly easily if the ACL/PCL are both affected. What wouldn't make sense in that scenario is their sending him back on the field...unless he somehow did it after he was back on the field.

    I'll say when he blocked the ball that caused the injury, it certainly had an alien sound to it...even sitting behind the opposite goal. My first fear was that he broke a metatarsal or his fibula. I didn't see the angle well enough to know any potential torque on the knee, but I've had those type of blocks on smaller scales.
     
  17. drSoFlaFan

    drSoFlaFan DEFEND THE FORT!

    Feb 25, 2008
    Plantation, FL
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    The Herron injury really hurts us. He was on fire to start the season. Here's hoping it's not too serious and he can return at some point.

    Hassan stepping up was excellent. That's the kind of finishing we saw from him in the preseason. He's gonna be a huge part of the offense now...

    Big game on Saturday now...
     
  18. Robert Lanza

    Robert Lanza Member

    Mar 20, 2001
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Let's not get Clavijo's lad in trouble. He wasn't the one who reported the Herron injury. The announcers had the host of NBC's Poker After Dark in the booth, who said he got the word directly from Herron himself.

    Incidentally, the poker guy was the best commentator of the three men in the broadcast booth. But that's a different thread.

    As for the red card, only players and substitutes are to be shown the card in FIFA sanctioned matches and any games the fall under that umbrella (youth games are included, high school and college games are not).
     
  19. Antique

    Antique Member

    Nov 11, 2008
    the river of grass
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Thank you. That's the way I was taught when I reffed during the 80s & 90s. No red card shown, but, when told to leave the field the coach must leave the field of play, out of sight and out of hearing, ASAP. Not to do so means the ref could suspend the game. That could mean the coach gets longer than the usual 1 game suspension.

    I did not ref HS.

    On very rare occasions I'd do a college intramural game. I never had any problems.

    ETA: 2,754 sounds right to me. I was guessing between 2,000 & 2,500 in attendance. Not bad for a Wednesday night game.
     
  20. AmericanMag

    AmericanMag Member

    Mar 23, 2011
    Club:
    Newcastle United FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    As a HS coach, I have been shown one or two* yellows in my career by the ref...














    They were never my fault though. :cool:

    *I often lose count after two
     
  21. pb9000

    pb9000 Member

    Apr 19, 2005
    Lauderhill, FL
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I spoke to Andy Herron after the game and he feels confident that the injury is not that bad. He was on crutches however. Maybe that's just hopeful thinking on his part. We'll find out for sure after the MRI today.

    Make sure to tune in Monday 9pm to www.UltrasAlive.com where we'll talk to hat tricker Aly Hassan live. Call in to ask him questions (323) 927-1455.
     
  22. unholyunion

    unholyunion Member

    Jan 21, 2011
    Club:
    Philadelphia Union
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Ali Nejad (pretty sure it's still him) is a top class announcer. I mean, it's hard to announce poker for TV, especially by himself, and he carries himself well. Never heard of anyone who disliked him.
     
  23. unholyunion

    unholyunion Member

    Jan 21, 2011
    Club:
    Philadelphia Union
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Considering that the Union's head coach (Nowak) got "red carded" out last game, this is what happened.

    Gabe Farfan double studs up challenge, nails the guy in the shins. ref runs over, as well as players. Nowak runs on field to protect Gabe from the opposing players. This happens while the ref is giving Gabe the red card, he has it out, and turns to nowak while still holding the red and points him to get off the field.

    So.. it's situational?
     
  24. Antique

    Antique Member

    Nov 11, 2008
    the river of grass
    Club:
    Ft Lauderdale Strikers
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    AFAIK, that is not correct. No cards to coaches. Players only. As to why he did it; heat of the moment? Something new for 2012? Brain fart? I don't know.

    USSoccer usually has a breakdown of the reffing for each week. Maybe there will be something there to explain it.
     
  25. manutd02

    manutd02 Member

    Oct 23, 2002
    No idea who your announcers are for the online streaming and have only seen the highlign
    Hts (with commentary) on the nasl website and had to turn the volume off. Absolutely horrendous. I couldn't understand half of what they were saying. The Guy's brain was working to fast for his mouth to keep up.
     

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