Chicago Mustangs Defeat Cedar Rapids In Overtime Thriller
October 19, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Chicago Mustangs News Release
The evening ushered in the first chill warning of the season, but inside Grand Sports Arena was anything but as a capacity crowd packed the arena with eager anticipation for the first exhibition game of the 2015-16 season. The contest features two accomplished soccer coaches who are no strangers. Each head coach has won coach of the year nominations that places each in a very elite category among their peers.
The start of the game saw the first goal of the exhibition season scored by the Mustangs and from that point, the two squads traded goals throughout the first half. At the conclusion of the second quarter, the Rampage trailed the Mustangs, 3-2. The Mustangs had ample scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize on those chances via errant kicks on goal. Fans would see first hand how different the two teams would be as the second half began.
The third and fourth quarters were an offensive barrage of goals by the two teams as they tallied a total of 15 goals. At one point, the Mustangs trailed Cedar Rapids 7-3 but rallied to get back into the game. With minutes remaining in regulation with the Mustangs trailing 10-9, Mustangs Coach, Armando Gamboa made a genius move, pulling goal keeper Jesus Flores and added a sixth attacker. Moments after making the daring move, the Mustangs punched in the tying goal as the nearly 1000 rabid fans cheered on their home team. With seconds remaining, the two teams were locked in a 10-10 deadlock.
A few minutes later, both head coaches decided to proceed with the 10 minute sudden death over time period. It was evident to everyone inside Grand Sports Arena, players on both sides have given their all in this hard fought battle. As the sudden death period began, Gamboa sent in his fastest line in their quest for victory. The Mustangs line took only 36 seconds to score as Miguel Vaca drove in the decisive goal and the Mustangs claimed a hard fought victory and sent the frantic crowd home happy. After the game, coach Armando Gamboa said "I am gratified by the win and it was a very physical game". "We had great success with our offense in the first half and we will improve on all facets of our game as we progress through the exhibition season" he added.
The Mustangs open the regular season on October 31st at the Sears Centre Arena with a 7:05 game time. The game will feature a special half time address from Bill McLeod, Mayor of Hoffman Estates as well at the fabulous Batmobile courtesy of the Volo Autumn Museum. The game will also be the largest Trick or Treat Party in Hoffman Estates history and candy is courtesy of Nestle. To order tickets, call the Mustangs at 847-805-6633. Kids in costume receive complimentary admission courtesy of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.
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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from October 19, 2015
- Dallas Sidekicks Move 2015-16 Season Home Opener to November 13 - Dallas Sidekicks
- Chicago Mustangs Defeat Cedar Rapids In Overtime Thriller - Chicago Mustangs
- Chicago Mustangs Trounce F.c. Adrenaline 11-3 - Chicago Mustangs
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