Cougars lose heartbreaker, 11-10 to Storm
October 27, 2007 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
California Cougars News Release
Stockton, CA - The California Cougars lose a tough one, 11-10, to the Chicago Storm in the season opener at the Sears Centre in Melrose Park, IL.
The Cougars trailed early but battled back to tie the game at 8-8 on a penalty kick scored by Enrique Tovar, the third of three goals for Tovar on the night. Expansion draft pick Gordon Chin gave the Cougars the 10-8 lead on his first goal of the season. But, the Cougars could not hold on as Storm defender Randy Soderman scored on a game winning three-point goal after Mariano Bollella placed the ball back into play.
The scoring started in the first with a goal from Matt Stewart after a pass from John Ball. Mark Ughy followed that score in the second with his first points of the season giving the Storm the 4-0 advantage.
California got right back into the game on a goal by Tovar 5:15 into the second. That cut the lead to two, the assist was given to Semir Mesanovic his first of two on the night. The score was then tied at four apiece when Tovar scored his second, this time a two-pointer assisted by Antonio Sutton. That game tying goal happened 10:02 into the second quarter.
With the score tied at four, the Storm took the lead again, this time it was the former Cougar, John Ball who gave Chicago the lead. His goal came 2:24 in the third, assisted by Ughy.
Andy Rosenband followed to give the Storm the 8-4 lead 4:33 into the third, Stewart tallied the assist.
It was Sutton who got the Cougars into the game again with a two-point goal 9:27 in the third, after an assist by former Storm forward Chris Handsor. Sutton's goal came during a power play one of three power play goals for California.
"Qeeks" connected on his final goal during a penalty kick. Tovar easily launched his shot above the outstretched hands of Chicago keeper Jeff Richey. Tovar's hat trick tied the game at 8-8, it came 12:03 into the third.
With 1:53 left in the third, it was the man they call "Chinney" who gave the Cougars the lead. Chin scored on a long two pointer to give the Cougars the go ahead goal at 10-8.
But, in the end Soderman was the hero for the Storm as he got the game winning goal. It was a three pointer midway through the fourth quarter. The goal appeared to touch John Ball as it went toward the net, but the officials saw it the other way. It counted for three and was assisted by Bollella. The Storm beat the Cougars to open the season, 11-10.
The Cougars face La Raza de Monterrey on November 10th at the Stockton Arena in California's home opener. Tickets can be purchased at the Stockton Arena box office or online at californiacougars.net.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from October 27, 2007
- Cougars lose heartbreaker, 11-10 to Storm - California Cougars
- Wave drop season opener - Milwaukee Wave
- Comeback falls short as Sharks stopped in final seconds - Orlando Sharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
