The Puerto Rico Islanders were defeated for the first time this season when the Fort Lauderdale Strikers won 3 – 2 tonight at Lockhart Stadium. In spite of this loss, the PR Islanders remain in first place on the NASL 2012 season standings.

"Tonight was very disappointing night after a good start, but credit to Fort Lauderdale. When you defend like we did for all three goals your not going to earn any points on the road. We have two weeks off, I would rather play a game this weekend to get the disappointment out of our system," said Head Coach Adrian Whitbread. 

In the opening moments of the match, forward and Offensive Player of the Week, Andy Herron of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers fired a shot from point blank range that was saved by goalkeeper Richard Martin.

The Puerto Rico Islanders allowed their second goal of the season in the 36^th minute, when Aly Hassan of the FTL Strikers flicked a ball after a long cross from Lance Laing and put the Strikers up 1-0.

In the 44^th minute, Walter Restrepo had a one-on-one with goalkeeper Richard Martin and took a shot on goal, but Martin was able to snuff the attack. Thefirst half ended Puerto Rico Islanders 0 – 1 Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Action started quickly in the second half, when Aly Hassan scored his second goal of the match in the 46^th minute giving the Srikers a 2-0 lead.

In the 49^th minute Jay Needham found a ball in the box after an Islanders corner kick from Addlery and scored the first goal for the Puerto Rico Islanders. The Islanders continued to look for the tie, moments later, Addlery took a violent shot on goal, but it hit the post.

The Islanders evened the score 2 – 2 in the 61^st minute, when David Foley finished from a difficult angle after a great through ball from Jonathan Faña.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers scored their winning goal in the 84^th minute, when Hassan completed his hat trick, giving his team a 3 – 2 victory over the Islanders.

The Puerto Rico Islanders return home on May 12, when they face the Fort Lauderdale Strikers again.  The match will begin at 7:30p.m. and will take place at the Bayamón Soccer Complex. We encourage our fans to arrive early and to support our Islanders in their home field.  There will also be free transportation between the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium and the Bayamon Soccer Complex. We hope to see you all there!