Bolts Weekend Preview
Published on January 26, 2012 under Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Anaheim Bolts News Release
Anaheim, CA- (January 26, 2012)- After four straight losses, its now or never for the Anaheim Bolts (3-6). With the continuation of the I-5 rivalry on Friday night versus the San Diego Sockers (11-0) and a rematch with the Phoenix Monsoon on Saturday (1-9), these 8:00 P.M. PST kick-offs will be the most crucial affairs yet at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
It has been a busy two weeks following the record setting 28-7 loss in Tijuana. "After the loss in Mexico, we set about changing ourselves as a club," explains owner, head coach, and now player Bernie Lilavois. "As a first year franchise, we have made mistakes, both on and off the field. Instead of trying to hide or mask those mistakes, however, we are facing them head on. This weekend, we hope to show a new team not only in terms of the product we put out on the field, but also in the way we run our club with regards to game day opperations and the work we do behind the scenes."
In-between the boards, the Bolts have overhauled their roster. Of the 20 active players Thiago Gonzalez, Juan Gonzalez, Felipe Gonzalez and Thiago Luzardi could make their first appearances with the club this weekend.
"These knew signings have more of a background in futsul and indoor soccer, rather than the outdoor game," Lilavois explained. "Their experience and understanding will be crucial down the stretch."
Lilavois played his first minutes for the Bolts in the loss to Tijuana, recording two assist. The original Bolt needs just two more points to reach 1,000 in his illustrious career.
If the task wasn't daunting enough, the Bolts need to begin to pick up the pieces against the two-time defending PASL champions, the San Diego Sockers. Not only are the Bolts 0-3 this season against the Sockers, but the Del Mar side is unbeaten in its last 25 matches.
San Diego comes into the match on the back of a two-game last weekend with a 10-8 home victory over Turlock and a 9-3 beat-down away to Phoenix. The victory over Turlock doubled as the semi-final for the US Open Cup, meaning San Diego is back in the finals. In that match, San Diego's Aaron Susi recorded his 500th career point. Lilavois' former teammate on the Stockton Cougars now has 229 goals and 271 assists for his career.
In addition to Susi, San Diego has fire power throughout its roster. 12 different players have found the back of the net this season with 11 of them finding the back of the net on more than one occasion. Reigning MVP Kraig Chiles has 35 goals. Brian Farber (19) and Eric Wunderle (11) are both in double digits, while Chiky Luna needs just one more to join the club.
It is a bit of a different story for Phoenix. After an opening day win, the Monsoon has dropped its last nine contest and is dead last in the league in scoring with a paltry 38 goals this season. The Bolts swept Phoenix over two matches in December by scores of 8-4 and 6-2.
The 6-2 victory on December 11 was the last time the Bolts have taken all three points. After well over a month, the Bolts are due.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from January 26, 2012
- Bolts Weekend Preview - Anaheim Bolts
- Bolts Go "Gonzalez" - Anaheim Bolts
- Sockers Game Notes - San Diego Sockers
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