Ex Academy Star Plays Full 90 in Strikers Debut

Nicardo Blake, who played for the Lauderdale Soccer Club and the Academy in 2007 and 2008, started and played the full 90 for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers this past Sunday in their opener. The Strikers beat Edmonton 1-0.

Blake moved to the United States as a 13 year-old from Clarendon, Jamaica. He settled in Lauderhill and attended Boyd Anderson High School, where he was a standout on the soccer team, as well as a track star and a field goal kicker for the football team.

He attended the University of Connecticut where he was a starter for the men’s soccer team for during his two years at the school. The right fullback started every game for the Huskies his senior year.

Toronto FC selected Blake as the 14th pick of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. Blake joined the Strikers after completing training camp with Toronto.