Dallas Sidekicks Secure Playoff Spot for First Time Since 2014-2015
March 27, 2022 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
ALLEN, TX - The Dallas Sidekicks stun the Ontario Fury in dramatic comeback fashion to secure a playoff birth for the first time since 2014-2015.
Dallas attacks the net early, outshooting Ontario 5-1 in the first quarter, but the Fury make the most of their opportunity. Former Sidekicks forward, Nester Hernandez, pots the opening goal to give the Fury a 1-0 lead 5:54 into regulation.
Hernandez adds another goal to open the second quarter. #15 Franck Tayou then puts the Fury ahead by three at the 5:38 minute mark.
With 2:19 remaining the in the half, Sidekicks defender Kristian Quintana gathers a pass from Mike Jones along the right side boards and crosses the yellow line into the offensive zone. A quick pass to top of the arc finds the newly acquired Anthony Powell, who quickly spins to his left and delivers a shot passed the diving goalkeeper. 3-1 Ontario.
Anthony Powell receives a pass across midfield and is immediately double teamed. Avoiding pressure, he finds veteran midfielder Jamie Lovegrove back in Sidekicks territory. Lovegrove boots a lob shot across to David Ortiz, wide open left of the box, who chips a left footer into top left corner of the net. 3-2 Ontario, 9:59 remaining in the third quarter.
Defender Cody Ellis blocks an Ontario attempt to clear. Julio Varela secures the ball off the boards and passes to Sebastian Mendez to the right of the arc, over to Lovegrove at the penalty mark. Quick shot, scores! Sidekicks tie the game with a minute remaining in the third. 3-3.
The game winning goal is scored within the first minute of the fourth quarter. Lovegrove delivers a shot from the far touchline, missing just wide. Veteran defenseman Cameron Brown collides with Ontario's netminder attempting to finish the play. The ball ricochets off the boards to Varela. Varela shoots, it's off a defender. Brown recovers and finds the ball. From seated, he leaps and heads the ball into the net. 4-3 Sidekicks.
A solid defensive performance and complete team effort secured the hometown team a Wild Card spot in the 2021-2022 Ron Newman Cup playoffs.
The Sidekicks will finish the regular season on the road next Saturday, April 2, with a match against the Milwaukee Wave.
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