Bolts' Playoff Hopes Ended by 10-6
February 3, 2013 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Anaheim Bolts News Release
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive, the Anaheim Bolts turned in an impressive performance on Saturday night, but only to fall to visiting rivals and defending PASL champions San Diego Sockers 10-6. The two sides played to an even affair that was decided by a run of five unanswered Sockers goals in the third quarter. Three tallies and an assist by Anaheim's Christian Ramirez were not enough for the hosts, as San Diego's Kraig Chiles had a standout performance of his own, recording four strikes and an assist.
The game's fiercely contested opening quarter saw the Bolts jump out to an early lead, courtesy of a goal by defender Garr Persson. The visitors from San Diego responded in style, as they bounced back for a 2-1 advantage, Antonio Sutton and Chiles both fining the net.
The second period saw Anaheim with the majority of the possession and the scoring chances, but an accumulation of bad luck meant they had to settle for a 2-2 draw and a 4-3 disadvantage at halftime. While Eduardo Velez and Chiles struck for San Diego, debutant Tyler Reinhart and Ramirez fired home for the home side.
One of the highlights of the period came when Velez intercepted a pass in midfield and sprinted all the way to the opposition penalty area, where his powerful finish from close range left Bolts netminder Kaji without a chance.
Anaheim appeared to be building momentum early in the third quarter, after tying things up on a beautiful combination play between Jhonatan Bravo and goal-scorer Persson. But the Sockers showed all their class in responding to the setback, as they went on a 5-0 run that put the game out of reach. Forward Chiles bagged a brace and Chiky Luna, Aaron Susi and Sutton found the net as well, followed by a strike by the Bolts' Ramirez that brought the overall score to 9-5.
Chiles' netter marked one of the game's most memorable moments, as the 28-year-old flicked the ball around his marker and slammed it under the crossbar for a spectacular finish.
The hosts showed impressive fighting spirit in the closing period, which they split with their mighty opponents, 1-1. After Anthony Medina scored for San Diego, Bolts midfielder Ramirez completed his hat-trick at the other end to round out the 10-6 final score line.
The Bolts return to action on Saturday, February 9, for their highly anticipated clash with Rio Grande Valley Flash. Tickets for the 7 p.m. PT contest start at $12 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Anaheim Convention Center Arena box office. Parking is free. For more information, please call the Bolts front office at 714-321-9898 or the Anaheim Convention Center Arena at 714-765-8980.
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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from February 3, 2013
- Detroit Waza Flo Repeat As Eastern Division Champions - Waza Flo
- Chiles sets PASL goals record in Sockers' 10-6 win over Anaheim - San Diego Sockers
- Bolts' Playoff Hopes Ended by 10-6 - Anaheim Bolts
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