Cougars Postseason Push Kicks Into High-Gear With Fourth Consecutive Victory
March 19, 2006 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
California Cougars News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. (Saturday, March 18, 2006) - Earlier doubts must no longer linger. With their fourth consecutive victory, and seventh win in their past nine games, the California Cougars Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) expansion team took another step forward on Saturday night at Stockton Arena as the Cougars gained their first victory over the Baltimore Blast in five tries, 8-6. California has now defeated each MISL team in the past four weeks.
"I really wanted to beat Baltimore because of their history with the League and I wanted to prove to the League, the skeptics, and everyone that we are one of the best teams in the League," Cougars Head Coach Troy Dayak said. "There is no doubt about it."
Vicente Figueroa, a San Jose native, scored four goals to increase his season total to a team-leading 23. Forward Aaron Susi's goal at 7:24 of the third quarter gave the Cougars their first second half lead and Susi assisted on Figueroa's fourth goal of the game at 7:14 of the fourth quarter, a power play score for California that proved to be the game-winner. Susi, a San Diego native, finished with one goal and two assists, and now ranks third on the Cougars with 26 points, trailing only John Ball (32) and Figueroa (27).
California closed to within 2.5 games of the Chicago Storm for the fourth and final spot in the MISL Championship Series, which begins in mid-April. The St. Louis Steamers (18-5), Milwaukee Wave (16-8), and Baltimore have already clinched postseason bids. Chicago (9-14), California (8-18), and Philadelphia (6-17) remain in the hunt for the final position. California, which next travels for a rematch with Baltimore at 1st Mariner Arena on Friday, currently holds the tie-breaker with Chicago, should the two teams finish the 30-game regular season with identical records.
All-Star forward Giuliano Celenza scored three goals and added one assist for Baltimore (15-10), which had defeated the Cougars by an average of three goals in the first four meetings. The Blast are now losers of their last three overall. Adauto Neto added two goals in the losing effort.
California countered early goals by Rich Daughtridge and Neto, with scores by Figueroa, at 6:21 of the first quarter to open the scoring, and by defender Bill Sedgewick at 13:52 of the second quarter to close out a 2-2 first half.
In the second, half the Cougars were able to hold off a three-goal effort by Celenza, and a second from Neto, with three of their own coming from Figueroa, and one each from Susi, Seyi Abolaji, finally from Gary Brooks at 11:44 of the fourth quarter.
"It feels great to win like that," Figueroa said. "The last time I scored four goals I was an amateur playing in the streets. I always have confidence in myself and my shots. If you shoot, shoot, shoot it will eventually go in."
Lodi native and Delta College, Sonoma State, and Chico State product Dominik Jakubek improved to 4-0 in his last four starts, saving nine of 15 shots on goal.
For Baltimore, Sagu stopped six of 14 shots on goal before being removed with 3:14 in favor of sixth attacker Lee Tschantret.
About the California Cougars
The California Cougars are a member of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), a single-entity organization that features a coast-to-coast presence across the United States, and top soccer talent representing players from 31 different countries. Announced on February 28, 2004, the Cougars made their competitive debut in November, 2005, with the beginning of their first 30-game regular season. Located in Stockton, California, the California Cougars play their home games at the brand new state-of-the-art Stockton Area, an integral piece to the city's developing waterfront district. Stockton Arena opened to the public in December, 2005. The Cougars and Stockton will host the 2007 MISL All-Star Game in February, 2007. For more information contact Celina Rodriguez at (209) 373-1555 or call the Cougars main line at (209) 373-1550 for directory assistance. The Communications Department can also be reached via email at crodriguez@californiacougars.net. For additional information about the California Cougars or the Major Indoor Soccer League, please visit the California Cougars' official website www.californiacougars.net, or the MISL's official website www.MISL.net.
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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from March 19, 2006
- Steamers Beat Storm To Complete Weekend Sweep - St. Louis Steamers
- Strong defensive effort sends Wave to third straight win - Milwaukee Wave
- Cougars Postseason Push Kicks Into High-Gear With Fourth Consecutive Victory - California Cougars
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