FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.—Mark Anderson scored twice to lead the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers over the Carolina Railhawks 2-1 at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday.
Anderson, making just his seventh start of the season, connected twice for just the first time in his pro career. The pair gives him seven goals for the season, equaling his starts, and the scoring lead in the North American Soccer League.
"It was good to score two goals as I've been scoring one and one and one," Anderson said. "It's nice to get a break and get the win."
Anderson tallied his first goal just 4:40 into the game, the fastest goal this season for the Strikers and second fastest in the league. His shot from 25 yards deflected off a Carolina defender, redirecting it past the Railhawks’ keeper.
His second goal was a thing of beauty. Strikers defender Scott Lorenz beat a Carolina defender deep in the box, centering the ball just off the back line. Anderson, streaking toward the goal, redirected the pass to the far post for a two goal lead at the 45th minute.
"Mark has been special," Strikers coach Daryl Shore said. "He just finds a knack for the goal. To be fair, tonight the guys did a good job finding him as well."
It was the Strikers' (5-5-4, 19 points) third straight win at home, while snapping the RailHawks' (4-5-5, 17 points) four game winning streak. The Strikers improved to 5-1-2 at home.
The Strikers next make their annual trip to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 4th at 6:30 p.m. EDT at Al Lang Stadium. The Strikers can pass the Rowdies in the NASL Standings with a win as they sit just two points behind Tampa Bay.