Photo by Jon van Woerden/ Fort Lauderdale Strikers

By RYAN TOLMICH

After slumping to a disappointing loss in the team’s opening game, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers ensured that the team’s first contest against their newest rivals wouldn’t slip from their grasp.

In what proved to be an intense affair with a red card issued to each side, the Strikers topped the Jacksonville Armada, 2-1, in a true battle, earning recognition as SBI NASL Team of the Week.

Kickstarted by a drawn penalty from Victor “PC” Giro, the Strikers opened the scoring via a Leo Moura spot kick just before halftime. After conceding just four minutes into the second half, the Strikers bounced again via PC, whose finish in the 65th minute was enough to notch an impressive early-season victory.

The Strikers beat out the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Carolina RailHawks and New York Cosmos for this week’s honors.

What did you think of the Strikers’ performance? Which team stood out to you this past weekend?

Share your thoughts below.