Another Win Over Detroit Puts the Mustangs Atop PASL
December 16, 2013 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Chicago Mustangs News Release
The stage was set for what would definitely go down as one of the biggest weekends of the 2013-14 Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL). All three remaining undefeated teams in the league were set to take on their divisional rivals this weekend. Out in the West, it was the matchup was between the unbeaten Las Vegas Legends, and the perennial champs of the league the San Diego Sockers. Also, in the Central division was a matchup of two expansion teams to the league this season from Mexico, the lossless Monterrey Flash versus the Hidalgo La Fiera. And finally, in the Eastern Division was the game that would pit the undefeated Chicago Mustangs against last years US Arena Open Cup Champions the Detroit Waza Flo. Any of the three matches would have made the weekend an amazing one for arena soccer, the fact that all of them landed on the same weekend made this weekend epic.
And when all the smoke cleared there was only one sole team left with a perfect record, the Chicago Mustangs.
The Mustangs evened out their franchise record to two wins and two losses against the Waza Flo this past Saturday in Detroit. The team, who was definitely road weary after their victory the night before in Cleveland, would have to prove once again that they were serious contenders this season. And they did not disappoint, putting together a victory that was as much a team effort as anything.
The game started right were it left off from the two's last meeting in Chicago earlier this season. Both teams were playing corporal trying to establish dominance both physically and mentally. Both teams back lines were playing quick, and both teams were pushing a power attack to try to put the first score on the board. Nine minutes into the match the Mustangs struck first when Luis "Pee Wee" Ortega took a shot that crossed the goal and was rebounded by Efrain "Wilo" Martinez with a volley shot into the net. The game continued to be a defensive battle as the first half came to a close.
Right out of the gate in the second half Detroit wasted no time evening the game. Zach Bowman scored on a cross pass by Ricardo Lopes to bring the game even at one. The Mustangs wasted no time answering back as Bryan Velazquez Moya scored a break away goal in the third minute of the quarter. The speed of Chicago's attack continued to plague the Waza Flo like it did in Chicago Just one week before. This was never more immanent then with only second's left to go in the half, Mustangs midfielder Pee Wee Ortega was able to score an unassisted, shorthanded, goal against the Waza Flo.
Going into the second half it was clear that both teams had adjusted their game plans. Detroit aimed to put more pressure on Mustangs goalkeeper Jesus Flores, and Chicago would attempt to counter that with a strong back line. The Mustangs looked flawless. Almost every offensive push by the Waza Flo was thwarted before they could even take a shot. Also, the ability for the Mustangs to attack quickly caused more problems for Detroit, as Wilo Martinez was able to score on another breakaway in the third quarter bringing the score at the end of the quarter to 4-1 in favor of the away team. With the fourth quarter being the last chance for Detroit to steal a victory from the Mustangs this season, the pressure was turned up. On both sides of the ball there was a sense of panic that lead to a very exciting quarter of soccer. Detroit put up two goals in less than five minutes to bring the game back within one. First, Ricardo Lopes scored on a power play goal, and shortly following Tino Scicluna added another. But the Mustangs had not given up, and refused to sit back well Detroit continued to pressure. Finally, after several attempts to break open on Detroit, Victor Sanchez was able to put one past Detroits goalie Joe Kapinos, on a pass by Wilo Martinez. The Mustangs had re-established a stronghold, but again it would not last long as Detroit chose to bring out the sixth attacker to try to even things up.
As every Mustangs fan held their breath, the game entered the final five minutes of play. With every pass there was an anticipated shot, and with every shot there was a gasp to see if there was a save. Ricardo Lopes continued to push Detroit's offense in the game recording another goal in the quarter off of an Arron Byrd pass. The game was a gain separated by a goal, and the Mustangs would have to rely on an intercepted pass to take a shot at Detroit's open net. After a few unsuccessful deep lobs, Bryan Velazquez Moya took matters into his own hands, breaking away from Detroit's players and taking the easy road to another Mustangs goal. And with just over a minute and a half remaining in the game, the Mustangs were up again by two. The Waza Flo would again make a valiant attempt at taking the match as Lopes would find the back of the net one more time. However, it would not be enough as the Mustangs would walk away with another victory, and improve their record to 7-0 on the season.
The Chicago Mustangs could only wait patiently to see what the outcome of the other undefeated matches would be on Sunday evening. And to their delight, both Monterrey and Las Vegas were unable to topple their rivals. The Mustangs now continue their season with a US Arena Open Cup Match this Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Grand Sports Arena in Hoffman Estates at 2:05 PM. Then, the Mustangs will finish off the year when they take on the Illinois Piasa on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at home again. What will 2014 hold for the Mustangs? Only time will tell, but right now it looks as if they will continue to focus on the next game, the next opponent, the next obstacle.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from December 16, 2013
- Another Win Over Detroit Puts the Mustangs Atop PASL - Chicago Mustangs
- Detroit Waza Flo Come Close To Beating Undefeated Rival - Waza Flo
- La Fiera Extend Win Streak in Overtime - Hidalgo La Fiera
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