The New Fort Lauderdale Strikers & team mascot Hot Shot,
during the inaugural pregame cememonies.
Photo by Jon van Woerden
A picture perfect sunset ushered in the the inaugural game of the new Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Lockhart Stadium, home to prior generations of this fabled team. The players, donning a very attractive asymmetrical version of the traditional "Bumble Bee" jersey (sporting additional horizontal stripes and a new logo), played with passion against an equally inspired opponent from the New NASL's Canadian component. After a hard fought first half, the Strikers rewarded the enthusiastic crowd of 6400 with their first goal in the 48th minute, a Martyn Lancaster header off a cross from Eduardo Coudet. It was actually quit fitting that the first goal was scored by a Brit, paying homage to the heavy British makeup of the original NASL Strikers of 1978.
Fort Lauderdale Strikers' captain, Aaron Hohlbein (22)
& Paulo LePetit (7) rejoice with goalscorer Martyn Lancaster.
Photo by Jon van Woerden
FC Edmonton replied with a goal 6 minutes later and then again in the 67th minute, with both teams pushing hard towards the final whistle, with the Strikers' efforts being denied by Rein Baart's goalkeeping. The Strikers take on the Minnesota Stars at Lockhart at 8:30 on Friday, April 15th and then on May 14th host cross state rivals, FC Tampa Bay. This match vs the Rowdies should bring back great memories of the classic derbies between the previous incarnations of both teams.
Strikers' Mike Palacio vs FC Edmonton's Eddy Sidra.
Photo by Jon van Woerden
To view a complete gallery of this match, visit
It was SOOOO good to see the red and yellow bumblebee make it back to the field ... and thanks to everyone who made it happen!
ReplyDeleteThe result was a bit of a bummer (I'm not gonna do more than mention the miserable officiating which ensured the loss) but I can't be down about it too much. The Strikers live again!
Good pictures as always, Jon; and looking forward to many, many more!