Dallas Sidekicks One Step Closer to Playoffs, Division Title with 4-1 Win
February 1, 2013 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
LAS VEGAS (Jan. 31, 2013)- With a 4-1 road victory over the Las Vegas Legends Thursday night, the Dallas Sidekicks have put themselves within one game of clinching the Central Division title and a spot in the playoffs. Sidekicks goaltender Sagu remains the best in the PASL, having allowed only 47 goals this season.
The Sidekicks maintained steady possession throughout the first quarter, which began to pay off early with Patrick Shamu getting the first goal of the night at 5:42. The veteran midfielder struck again at 9:57, getting the best of Legends goaltender Zeke Sanchez during a scramble in front of the net following a series of consecutive Sidekicks shots. Near the end of the quarter Shaun David played off of the boards to Sean Bellomy, who passed it off to Paulo da Silva. Da Silva cashed in, putting the Sidekicks up 3-0 at 13:34.
The Legends began to put much more pressure on the Sidekicks defense during the second quarter, outshooting the Sidekicks 5-1 and forcing goaltender Sagu to come up with some great saves. Despite a few close calls on both sides, neither team managed to cash in and the match remained 3-0 Sidekicks going into halftime.
Both teams had powerplay chances slip away during the third period, the Legends continuing to outshoot the Sidekicks 11-9. Winning a battle along the boards, Rodrigo Barbirato put the Legends on the board for the first time at 12:10.
Just 23 seconds into the fourth quarter, David caught Legends goaltender Zeke Sanchez way outside of his arc, claimed the ball and shot into an empty net to put the Sidekicks up 4-1. Franck Mbemba was credited with the assist. Both teams had chances in the period, but no one could capitalize until there was only 55 seconds to go in the game, Ivan Simental's goal not enough to stop the Sidekicks who took the win 4-2.
Tomorrow the Sidekicks will make their way to San Diego to take on the Sockers for the second time this week. The Sidekicks defeated the Sockers in a dramatic 6-5 overtime showing on Sunday, Jamie Lovegrove scoring four times and David getting the game-winner. The win snapped San Diego's national record-breaking 48-0 winning streak. The Sockers (11-1) have clinched their division title, and their top scorer Kraig Chiles leads the PASL in goals (43) and points (54). The Sidekicks will attempt to break another streak on Friday, as the Sockers have amassed 41 consecutive wins at home. The match will begin at 9:30p.m. at the Valley View Casino Center.
Sidekicks forward Carlos Videla, out with an injury, will host a watching party for the team's game against San Diego on Friday night from 9:00 p.m. to midnight at Dave & Busters (9450 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX, 75231).
The team will return home to face off against the Rockford Rampage at the Allen Event Center on Saturday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. The Sidekicks organization will be honoring Head Coach Tatu by retiring his #9 jersey at halftime.
Individual and season tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.dallassidekicks.net or call 214-550-6130. Follow the team on Twitter @GoSidekicks or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoSidekicks.
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