Chicago Mustangs Blow the Freeze Back to Cleveland
Published on January 20, 2014 under Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Chicago Mustangs News Release
The Chicago Mustangs have proved again why they are the top team in the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL). This past Saturday, January 18, 2014, the Mustangs made a meal of the visiting Cleveland Freeze in front of a nearly sell out crowd at the Grand Sports Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL. "Despite the weather outside, everything went better than expected," said Team President Armando Gamboa. The home team did not disappoint, and the fans that braved the wintery mess witnessed a literal "goal show" with the final score being 20-11. This victory puts the Mustangs at 10 wins while still not losing a game on the season, and also clinches the franchises first playoff spot in their brief history. "We could not be happier about making the playoffs, but we know the battle has just begun. We are the team to beat, and we have to be prepared for every game from now until we hoist the Ron Newman Cup above our heads," added Gamboa.
Cleveland, on paper, was to be the Mustangs toughest feat to date. The Freeze had a record of 9 wins and 3 losses going into the rivalry game on Saturday, and are in solid control of 2nd place in the leagues Eastern Division. Also, the team features the PASL's point leader Allen Eller, who has an astonishing 46 points (goals and assists combined) on the season. Many league analysts pegged the Mustangs to lose their first match against the streaking Freeze, who had not lost a match in their last six contests (their last loss came at home against the Mustangs on Friday, December 13, 2013). And although the Freeze struggled in the early part of this season, they had become goal-scoring machines as of late averaging over 16 goals per match in their last four games. The stage was set, and the tension was radiating from all parties involved.
It was Mustangs young star Bryan Velazquez Moya who rewarded the fans that showed up early by scoring a goal only 11 seconds into the match. The early goal was an example of the Mustangs relentless attack and dominating speed. Those attributes continued to be the proverbial thorn in the Freeze's side. The Mustangs continued to put pressure on Cleveland by pushing the ball forward, and racking up shots on Freeze keeper Mirko Petkovic who did a fantastic job of warding them off early in the game. It was only a matter of time that the freeze would capitalize on the nonstop attack of the home team, and defender Josh Grossman did just that putting up one of the two goals Cleveland scored in the half on a left footed gem. Without question the Mustangs woke up after Grossman's goal. The home team went on a 12-1 tear, to finish off the half at 13-2. The sound of jaws hitting the floor in Cleveland could be heard clearly at Grand Sports Arena as the Mustangs trampled any thought of the Freeze stealing a win from the powerful Chicago squad. Many teams would be happy to score 13 goals in a game, and the Mustangs had done it in a half.
The second half saw a revival of the traditional Freeze, and the sides began to go back and fourth a little. However, the Mustangs had established a huge lead, and it would have taken a winter miracle for Cleveland to mount a comeback. One thing grew quite apparent as the game continued in the second half. This was a newly sparked rivalry between two very good Eastern Division teams. The referee crew deserves credit for controlling a very heated second half. The tension was at it's highest when with 9 seconds left in the match their was a bench clearing confrontation at midfield that was lead by aggravation over a timeout call, but was contained quickly by the officials. And after it was all said and done, the players and coaching staff shook hands, the score on the board had 20-11 in favor of the home team, and the scoreboard was nearly set on fire by a night full of spectacular arena soccer.
Mustang's stats for the match were incredible, and must be noted. Moya, who scored the night's first goal, lead the team with five (5) goals and three (3) assists on the evening. Following closely behind were Efrain "WILO" Martinez and Victor Sanchez, that both came out of the night with hat tricks (3 goals). WILO also put up three (3) assists to help him in his quest for top of the PASL's Point board, and following this match he has a total of 34 on the season, and leads the Mustangs in goals scored and points as well. Sanchez was also awarded with two (2) assists. Miguel Vaca, Omar Santillan, and Luis "Pee Wee" Ortega all put up two (2) goals in the match, with Vaca and Ortega also getting two (2) assists. Adrian Ortiz lived up to his captain's role by continuing to distribute the ball with results racking up two (2) more assists and also putting up a goal of his own. Rookie Adan Quiroz got into the action with a goal and an assist, and first year Mustang Aurinei "Chico" Parisotto put up an assist also. And finally, fan favorite Guilherme Veiga scored his first goal of the season (and celebrated thusly), well helping the cause with two (2) assists.
Chicago now prepares for two road trips before returning to finish the regular season off at Grand Sports Arena on February 9 and 16 (the 16 is a makeup match from the postponed January 5, 2014 match that was canceled due to sever weather). The Mustangs hope that their fans continue to support the team and help them as they make their push for perfection. Viewing parties are held at the Grand Sports Arena located at 2350 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 for all Mustang away matches. For more information on viewing parties, tickets, or general information visit the team's website (www.chicagomustangspro.com) or call the teams front office at (847)-805-6633.
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