U.S. Improves, Beats El Salvador; Czechs Top Kazakhstan
March 25, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Ontario Fury News Release
ONTARIO, CA-- Kraig Chiles scored two goals with three assists and Matt Clare added a pair of goals as the U.S. National Arena Soccer Team defeated El Salvador 9-3 in front of more than 3,500 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. The win clinched a quarterfinal berth for the United States (2-0-0), who will play for the Group A championship Wednesday night in San Diego.
"We're playing better every quarter," said USA head coach Phil Salvagio, "We got better today as the game went on. I'm going to love to see this team by the end of the tournament."
Team USA jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first quarter behind goals from the San Diego Sockers' Chiky Luna as well as Chiles. El Salvador (0-1-1) crept back in the game behind a goal from Hilal "Jam" Monterrosa, who netted a brace in the defeat.
MASL Rookie of the Year Gordy Gurson's turning one-time volley snuck between the legs of El Salvador keeper Raul Calderon with 8:15 left in the second quarter to answer back and re-establish a 3-1 edge. Gurson's first USA goal was a welcome sight to the eyes of Salvagio.
"As the rookie of the year, he knows he has big shoes to fill. This is great for Gordy's confidence as a young player."
The United States' quality was revealed on set pieces, as Team USA netted three different free kicks for goals. Twice Brian Harris (Missouri Comets) finished feeds from Chiles for the restart goal. Matt Clare added his fourth and fifth goals of the tournament in the second half to build out the lead. Luna later netted his second goal of the night and third of the tourney. Danny Waltman (2-0) recorded the win in goal for Team USA, while Joey Kapinos manned the net in the fourth quarter, making several key saves to preserve the victory.
"In this tournament (with six games in seven days) it's important to grind out results," said Chiles, who has eight points in two games, "We never had any doubt we would win the game. The goal is to win on Sunday and take the Cup."
The U.S. suffered a loss in that regard as midfielder Brian Farber was felled due to a lower body injury. Farber, who was a substitute for MASL MVP Leo Gibson, is questionable to return for the remainder of the WMF World Cup.
The United States team travels to San Diego now for the third game of the Group A round robin, taking on Czech Republic (1-0-1) for the Group A championship at 8pm from the Valley View Casino Center. The Czechs defeated Kazakhstan 7-3 in earlier Group A action. El Salvador will face Kazakhstan with an excellent chance to advance to the knockout rounds with a win as a third-place wild card.
-- Release courtesy Craig Elsten/San Diego Sockers
• Discuss this story on the Major Arena Soccer League message board...
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from March 25, 2015
- WMF World Cup Group A Day 3 Game Notes - San Diego Sockers
- Brazil defeats Canada 7-4 in World Cup Action At Perani - Waza Flo
- Lancer Players on Top at World Cup - Rochester Lancers
- Healey and Donatelli Join U.S. National Arena Soccer Team - Baltimore Blast
- U.S. Improves, Beats El Salvador; Czechs Top Kazakhstan - Ontario Fury
- WMF World Cup Group a Recap: Team USA Tops El Salvador 9-3 - San Diego Sockers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
