2011 Fort Lauderdale Strikers – XL

The 2011 season marked the return of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to professional football as part of the revived North American Soccer League (NASL). It was a year defined by rebirth, identity-building, and the challenge of reconnecting a historic name with a modern football landscape. Managed by Daryl Shore, the Strikers entered the league carrying significant legacy from the original NASL era, but with an entirely new squad and infrastructure.

In the 2011 NASL regular season, Fort Lauderdale finished 4th, securing a spot in the NASL Playoffs during the league’s inaugural modern campaign. Playing home matches at Lockhart Stadium, the Strikers became known for a hard-working, defensively disciplined approach combined with moments of attacking efficiency. Their performances established them as immediate contenders rather than mere participants in the league’s relaunch.

In the playoffs, Fort Lauderdale advanced to the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by the Minnesota Stars, falling just short of a championship appearance. Despite the disappointment, the season was widely viewed as a success — a competitive return that validated the club’s revival and re-established Fort Lauderdale as a serious football city.

The 2011 Fort Lauderdale Strikers home kit, produced by adidas, paid direct homage to the club’s heritage. Featuring the iconic red and gold horizontal hoops, the shirt was a deliberate throwback to the original Strikers identity of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Classic, bold, and instantly recognizable, it quickly became a fan favorite and a meaningful vintage football shirt of the modern NASL era.

2. Full Squad List (Fort Lauderdale Strikers – 2011 Season)

No specific player requested.

Manager: Daryl Shore

Goalkeepers:
Matt Glaeser, Kamil Contofalsky

Defenders:
Mark Schulte, Lance Laing, Rafael Gomes, Jeff Stockdale, Greg Janicki

Midfielders:
Abdoulie Mansally, Pecka, Blake Wagner, Walter Restrepo, Paulo Afonso

Forwards:
Andy Herron, Etienne Barbara, Abe Thompson, Chukwudi Chijindu