Cougars fall 23-6 in Monterrey
February 1, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
California Cougars News Release
Monterrey, N.L. - Jan. 31, 2008 - A hobbled California Cougars offense struggled to create opportunities in their 23-6 loss to La Raza de Monterrey on Thursday night. The Cougars have lost six straight and drop to 7-9 for the season. Monterrey improved to 7-11 with the win and 4-4 at Arena Monterrey.
The Cougars have been struck by the injury bug since starting their season by winning seven of their first 11 games. Both midfielder Nelson Santana and forward Naldo missed the road trip due to injuries. Vicente Figueroa, Chris Handsor and Brian Farber are still out with severe leg and knee injuries.
The Cougars kept even with La Raza for most of the first quarter, but two quick Monterrey goals at the 7:30 mark put La Raza on top for good. La Raza led 9-0 at the end of the first half after goals by Byron Alvarez, Victor Quiroz (two goals) and Dino Delevski.
La Raza kept their momentum through the third quarter as Genoni Martinez registered his first of three scores at the 12:15 mark in the third. The scoring continued as Victor Coria, Delevski, Jose Birche and Martinez all scored in the third quarter.
Monterrey led 21-0 in the third quarter before an injured Eduardo Velez ended the shutout with a two point goal against Jose Bontti.
Velez had suffered a knee injury just minutes before his goal. "It's was a good feeling," said the Cougars second year midfielder. "Any goal is always a good feeling. I was trying to spark my teammates and try to get them on fire. I was injured when I scored and still am injured, but it was a good feeling to score."
Velez ended the shutout and scored for the second time in consecutive weeks, but could only think of the loss after the game.
"(My goal) wasn't enough. I need to do better and step up to help my team win."
The Cougars have never been shutout in the three years of existence.
Semir Mesanovic scored the Cougars' second goal of the game. Rookie forward Lee Williams had their last score in the fourth quarter. Williams started this season as the only American born player in Monterrey's preseason camp. He was cut by La Raza before the season and fittingly scored the first goal of his professional career against his former team.
Martinez scored one last time for Monterrey in the fourth quarter. The game winning goal in the 23-6 win was scored by Quiroz in the first quarter.
The Cougars travel to Milwaukee Friday morning to prepare for their Saturday night match with the Wave.
They return home on February 15 for a regular season match with the Chicago Storm. The game will air on Fox Soccer Channel the following week at 5:00 p.m. Before their national television match with Chicago, the Cougars will host a special weekend of indoor soccer events on February 9 and 10 at Stockton Arena. On February 9 the Cougars will host free soccer clinics at Stockton Arena from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clinics will feature Cougars players and is a sneak peak at the Cougars off-season soccer camps. The day continues with "Leyendas de los Clasicos" at Stockton Arena at 7:15 p,m. The Cougars have partnered with Missael Espinoza to bring Chivas de Guadalajara and Club America together for a very unique indoor match between the two rivals. Tickets to that game are available by calling (209) 373-1563 and by visiting www.stocktontickets.com.
The Premiere Arena Soccer League is featured on February 10 at Stockton Arena. The PASL Northwest All-Stars play the Pacific All-Stars at 11:00 a.m., then at 1:00 p.m. the PASL National All-Star team plays the Cougars for a special All-Star event. Tickets can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1550 and by visiting www.californiacougars.net.
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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 1, 2008
- Armstrong tallies eight points, but Storm fall to Blast - Chicago Storm
- Postseason Drive Highlighted By February 15th Doubleheader On Fox Soccer Channel - MISL 2
- KiXX host Ignition in rematch of 2007 championship game - Philadelphia KiXX
- Cougars fall 23-6 in Monterrey - California Cougars
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