FORT MYERS, FLORIDA -- Miami Kickers F.C. was forced to settle for a scoreless draw on Friday night in a match against the South Florida Strikers.  The Kickers (0-1-1) launched 19 shots, including 4 that struck the goalpost, but were unable to find the back of the net.  South Florida (0-3-1) was awarded a penalty kick in the 80th minute, but midfielder Paula Zuluaga could not put the ball on target.

Miami threatened early and often in the first half.  Ten minutes into the match, a shot from forward Laura Weinberg struck the post.  Weinberg, who will play for Duke University in the fall, made her Kickers debut on Friday night.  Two more shots would hit the pipes for the Kickers in the first half, including a strike from Jenn Martin and a free kick from Haleigh Stremanos.  Stremanos, a sophomore at American Heritage School in Plantation, also made her Kickers debut.

There were a few scares for the Kickers in the first half, including an open scoring opportunity for Strikers forward D'yolanda Pineda that was called back for offside.  At the break, however, Miami had outshot South Florida nine to one.

The start of the second half was delayed due to a storm in the area, and both sides got off to a sluggish start after the break.  The Kickers snapped out of it first, and began to bombard South Florida keeper Sara Setzer with shots, particularly in the final 20 minutes.  Perhaps the best chance for the Kickers came in the 77th minute.  Stremanos delivered a free kick right on target to midfielder Elanna Brady, whose header went just over the crossbar.

On a South Florida counterattack, Miami defender Shante Chevannes made a sliding tackle just inside the 18 and was whistled for the foul.  Zuluaga's free kick sailed high and wide right, however, keeping the match scoreless.

The Kickers continued to attack the rest of the way, and won three corners in final minutes.  In a controversial decision, the referee ended the match before Miami could set up its final corner in stoppage time.

GAME NOTES -- Stremanos took a match-high six shots, placing three on goal... Goalkeepers Victoria Alonzo (0 saves) and Sarah Glass (2 saves) each turned in 45 minutes of scoreless work... Defender Amanda Detterline was cautioned in the 87th minute... South Florida players Bessy Fuentes (36') and Zuluaga (75') both drew yellow cards... Miami Kickers F.C. will host Brandon FC Saturday, June 19 at American Heritage School in Plantation... The Kickers will host South Florida on Friday, July 9.