Dougherty Delights in Sockers' Win
Published on February 15, 2004 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
San Diego Sockers News Release
The Sockers earned a much-needed victory Saturday night after defeating the defending MISL Champion Baltimore Blast 5-3 at the Sports Arena. The win ended a three-game skid and brought the Sockers to within two and a half games of Western Division-leading Dallas Sidekicks. San Diego improved its home record to 9-5 and their overall record to 11-13.
The Sockers jumped on the Blast quickly with a goal from Robbie Aristodemo off a Nino DaSilva assist 1:14 into the contest. Aristodemo volleyed a rocket into the upper-left corner of the Baltimore goal to give the Sockers a lead on the only goal of the first quarter of action.
San Diego scored their second goal of the night 25 seconds into the second quarter when Tony Velazquez put one in after being fed by Sockers goalkeeper Victor Nogueira. After being held scoreless for the 21 minutes, the Blast's Giuliano Celenza managed to find the back of the net off Carlos Farias' assist for their first goal. Farias, who was playing his first game in San Diego since being traded in the offseason, put in the equalizer at 13:16 of the second quarter with help from P.J. Wakefield. The teams finished the first 30 minutes locked at two.
In the third quarter, Paul Wright was credited with his twelfth goal of the season after a Baltimore misplay found its way into the back of the net at 2:14. Baltimore defender Neil Gilbert intended to head the ball back to goalkeeper Scott Hileman, but Hileman came out looking to play the ball himself. The miscue resulted in the ball rolling into the open Blast net. Baltimore then evened the score for the second time when forward Lee Tschantret assisted a goal by Denison Cabral at 9:24. The Sockers regained the lead for good after Paul Dougherty fed Mariano Bollella for the game-winner at 14:26.
Playing in his 1,000th game, Dougherty added the insurance goal at 6:01 of the fourth quarter. It was Dougherty's second goal in three games since his return to the Sockers.
Sockers' goalkeeper Victor Nogueira stopped a season-high 24 of 27 shots to improve his record to 11-13. David Beltran led the team defensively with four blocks.
San Diego will travel to St. Louis to meet the Steamers on Monday, February 16 at 11:05 a.m. (PST). It will be the first of five straight on the road as they make stops in Monterrey, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. All games can be heard on ESPN Radio 800 and on the Internet at www.worldtalkradio.com.
Notes: Sean Bowers did not play due to a groin injury and is expected to return next weekend at Kansas City. ...The Sockers increase their record to 10-3 when they score the first goal of the contest.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from February 15, 2004
- Sidekicks drop second road game, lose 7-6 at Cleveland - Dallas Sidekicks
- Force topple Sidekicks, 7-6 - Cleveland Force
- Dougherty Delights in Sockers' Win - San Diego Sockers
- Howes' game-winner lifts Wave to 6-5 win over Sidekicks in double OT - Milwaukee Wave
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