Strikers take two against under-23 national teams

• by Soccer America , Mar 20, 2012

[NASL PRESEASON] The  countdown to the start of the 2012 NASL season continues. The 2011 runner-up Ft. Lauderdale Strikers beat both the Canada and Trinidad & Tobago under-23 teams preparing in Florida for Olympic qualifying. The defending champion The Minnesota Stars FC went 2-0-1 against college opposition on a swing through Nebraska ...

ATLANTA. The Silverbacks tied Mercer University, 1-1, earning the draw on former MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Ciaran O’Brien's goal, then fell to the U.S. under-23 national team, 3-0, in a scrimmage.

CAROLINA. The RailHawks needed an own goal to beat UNC Greensboro, 1-0, on Saturday.

FC EDMONTON. Frenchman Serisay Barthelemy had a hat trick to lead Edmonton past the Vancouver Metro Soccer League All-Stars, 3-1.

FT. LAUDERDALE. The Strikers beat the Trinidad & Tobago U-23s, 2-1, and Canada's U-23s, 1-0. Costa Rican Andy Herron had both goals against T&T.

MINNESOTA. The Stars beat 2010 NAIA champion Hastings, 2-1, then traveled to Omaha, where they beat Nebraska-Omaha, 2-1, and tied Creighton, 2-2. Amani Walker had the two goals against Creighton, which came back from 2-0 down to earn the draw.

PUERTO RICO. The Islanders beat the Puerto Rico under-20 national team, 3-0, and Caribbean University, 5-1.  Dominican Republic international Johnathan Fana had three goals against Caribbean University.

SAN ANTONIO. The Scorpions got two goals from Dutchman Hans Denissen and Brazilian Pablo Campos added the third in a 3-0 win over Mexican Second Division club Dorados de Sinaloa at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton, Calif.

TAMPA BAY. The Rowdies traveled down the coast to play FGCU, which it beat, 1-0, on Keith Savage's first-half goal.