FORT LAUDERDALE — The Fort Lauderdale Strikers had a chance to create separation in the race for the final playoff in the NASL standings.

Though there was plenty of effort, the Strikers didn't get the result they wanted, instead had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Atlanta Silverbacks at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday.

The tie extends the Strikers (2-2-3) unbeaten streak for five, however because of Tampa Bay's victory on Saturday, the two teams are tied for the fourth and final playoff spot for now.

The Strikers, who trailed 1-0 at the half, even the scored when Fafa scored in the 62nd minute just feet outside the goal mouth. Fafa was the recipient of a beautiful delivery from midfielder Martin Nunez just off the back line. It was Nunez's first assist of the season.

"It was one of those plays with us coming down the left side," Nunez said. "In that play I had a one-on-one, had to be aggressive, pushed it forward and found Fafa."

Atlanta (2-2-2) was fortunate the didn't allow numerous goals in the second half as the Strikers attack was relentless in putting pressure on Silverbacks keeper Eric Ati. He finished with 12 saves as part of the 21 overall shots that tied a season high.

"I was very mad at halftime I have to admit," Strikers coach Günter Kronsteiner said. "I told them we had to play with more pressure because it's a home game.

Darnell King and Walter Ramirez will each miss the Strikers next match at FC Edmonton. King earned his fifth yellow card, while Ramirez received a red card in he 90th minute.

A defensive lapse put the Strikers in a familiar position they prefer not to get used to. However it's become a regular theme this season in allowing the first goal.

It happened again against Atlanta, the eighth time this season, when the Strikers fell behind 1-0 on a Jaime Chavez goal in the seventh minute. Chavez beat Strikers defender James Mareclin into the box and as keeper Kamil Contofalsky came off his line, took his shot on goal.

With an open net, it rolled slowly in for the goal. It also snapped Contofalsky's shutout streak at 260 minutes.

Though the Strikers defense was exposed at times, the offensive attack had it's chances.

Strikers midfielder Mark Anderson had a good look in the sixth minute on a free kick from 19 yards that went under the wall, but Ati made the stop. Nunez forced to Ati to make another save with right-footed strike inside the box in the 14th minute.

Fafa called up

Strikers 23-year-old forward Fafa has been called up to the Haitian National Team in preparation for their international friendly against Chile set for Sept. 9 at Lockhart Stadium.

Fafa, who leads the Strikers with seven goals, becomes the teams first player since they returned to Fort Lauderdale as the Strikers to be called up to any national team.