Ironmen Escape Storm In Dramatic See-Saw Battle
March 15, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
New Jersey Ironmen News Release
NEWARK, NJ (Saturday, March 15, 2008) - The New Jersey Ironmen (13-12) returned home to Prudential Center tonight and defeated the Chicago Storm (14-12) by a count of 10-9 in a critical late season match up. Brazilian forward Tiguinho netted the game-winner in the final stanza in a game that saw six lead changes in the second half. With the win and only five games left on the regular season slate, New Jersey moved within a 1/2 game of fourth place in the MISL.
The Ironmen wasted little time in what quickly started as a fast-paced contest when Brazilian forward Geison netted a feed from defender John Krause at 1:40 of the opening frame, and New Jersey captain Lazo Alavanja made it 4-0 by finishing a pass from forward Shaun David at 2:54.
With 30 seconds left in the second quarter, Chicago got on the board when Carlos Farias scored an unassisted three-pointer off a restart. The Ironmen led 4-3 when the two clubs headed to the locker rooms at halftime.
Farias gave the Storm their first advantage of the contest only 40 ticks into the second half when he put away an unassisted tally. At 3:08 New Jersey midfielder Nebo Stamenkovic registered the first goal of his indoor career by finishing a Tiguinho ball, regaining the lead for the hometown team, 6-5. The see-saw match up tipped back in the favor of the Storm at 4:59, 7-6, as Farias hit the third goal of a hat trick off an assist from midfielder Matt Stewart. At 9:35 the Ironmen took back the advantage, 8-7, on a play that started on an Alavanja restart. After the captain sent a ball over to the right wing, Tiguinho one-timed a perfect delivery to Dizzy Antoniuk, and the Philadelphia native killed the feed for the go-ahead goal. The hard-fought third period finally came to a close with Chicago leading 9-8 after Mariano Bollella scored a Chris Brisson ball in what was the fifth lead change of the quarter.
Tiguinho then recorded the game-winning two-pointer at 5:20 of the final stanza with forward Freddy Moojen tallying the assist, and New Jersey held on to take the victory, 10-9.
The Ironmen will not have much time to enjoy the win due to the fact they have to board a plane at early dawn to head to Milwuakee to play the second place Wave (17-7) tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. It marks the third time this season New Jersey has had to play an afternoon contest with Milwaukee after flying in from playing a game the previous night. The Ironmen return to Prudential Center this Thursday to host the defending MISL champion Philadelphia KiXX with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. All fans in attendance will receive a free Ironmen water bottle courtesy of JAG Therapy. Tickets for the match up can be purchased by calling 1-800-IRONMEN.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from March 15, 2008
- Ironmen Escape Storm In Dramatic See-Saw Battle - New Jersey Ironmen
- Storm playoff berth put on hold; 'Chile' nets hat trick - Chicago Storm
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