Legends Upend Sockers 9-7 in Las Vegas
November 23, 2014 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
San Diego Sockers News Release
LAS VEGAS, NV--Hoping to come to Sin City and all but eliminate the host Las Vegas Legends from Pacific Division contention, the San Diego Sockers instead left like so many who have come before them to this city; empty handed, aching and shaking their heads.
Felipe Gonzalez and Eric Guzman each scored their first two goals of the season as the Legends (2-3) used a three-goal run in the second half to post a 9-7 victory over the Sockers at the Orleans Arena. After conceding only two goals in back-to-back games, including a 7-2 win over Las Vegas on Thursday night in San Diego, the Sockers saw their goal line cluttered with a season-high in goals against and power play goals conceded (3-of-4).
"We didn't play our best, and I take responsibility for that," said head coach Phil Salvagio, "We had a game on Thursday and came right into today's game without training and we weren't sharp. Tired, on a road trip, and we paid the toll."
A relentlessly physical game wore down the Sockers (4-1), who were playing their third match in eight days. After absorbing several hard fouls early, including defender Evan McNeley being run into the corner glass face-first without a call, San Diego's retaliations led to four Las Vegas power plays, three of which were converted.
Despite calling for a defensive stance prior to the game, Salvagio saw passions run high on the field as elbows were raised and fouls became harder and dirtier. Vegas midfielder Aldo Flores was red carded for a strike to the face of San Diego's Matias Kruger in the fourth quarter.
"I don't agree with the (physical) style of play but it's coming down from the (MASL) head of refs that they are going to let some things go and play physical. (Vegas) didn't cross a line with their play, the line was drawn too far out."
"They took advantage of the rules."
San Diego scored first on Kruger's fifth goal of the season, but the Sockers spent much of the first half trying to play catch-up as Las Vegas finally clicked offensively. Boris Gujic netted twice and assisted on a Franck Tayou goal as the Legends took leads of 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3.
The Sockers tied the score 4-4 in the second quarter then took the lead 5-4 with 4:12 remaining in the half on a nifty back-heeled goal by Dan Antoniuk, converting a wing free kick from Kraig Chiles.
San Diego would be sent to the penalty box with 1:20 remaining in the half when defender Johnny Topete was called for a two-handed pull down, and Eric Guzman converted the power play with a brilliant weaving run from just outside the crease straightaway, faking a right-footed shot to draw in the defenders before firing left-footed for the goal with just 3.3 seconds left in the quarter for a 5-5 tie.
The Sockers started the third quarter with a better shape defensively and generated some chances, only to see a momentary breakdown lead to a Legends strike, with Ivan Campos' back post goal on a perfectly slotted pass from Ricardo Sobriera earning Las Vegas a 6-5 lead with 8:31 left in the period.
After absorbing physical play all game San Diego couldn't keep their emotions in check, and an elbowing penalty from Eduardo Velez was followed by another blue card on a Nick Perera hold. Both power plays turned into Felipe Gonzalez goals, on assists from Campos, and an 8-5 lead that the Legends would not relinquish.
The fourth quarter saw both teams tally twice, but the story was the increased rancor on the pitch as Flores' red card led to the benches clearing, although no further punches were thrown. At the end of the game, the Sockers head coach was ready to declare the rivalry to have moved into a new and darker place.
"It's only getting worse," said Salvagio of a dust-up following the final horn, "(Legends owner) Meir (Cohen) wouldn't shake my hand after the game. I put my hand out after they won, and he blew me off."
Nick Perera had two goals and two assists in the losing effort for the Sockers, and Evan McNeley scored his first two goals of the season. Kraig Chiles had a goal and assist and Chiky Luna added a pair of assists for San Diego.
The Sockers see a ten-game regular season losing streak come to an end, book-ended by losses to Las Vegas. The two sides will meet again in February for a fourth and final time at Orleans Arena. San Diego gets next weekend off before hosting the Turlock Express (3-1) at the Valley View Casino Center on December 6th. Tickets are available at sockers.com, by phone at (866) 799-GOAL, or at the VVCC box office.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from November 23, 2014
- Legends Upend Sockers 9-7 in Las Vegas - San Diego Sockers
- Hidalgo La Fiera Open Home Season With Loss - Hidalgo La Fiera
- Tulsa Revolution fall to Dallas, 14-5 - Tulsa Revolution
- Lovegrove Scores in OT to Give Sidekicks Fourth Straight Win, 3-2 - Dallas Sidekicks
- San Diego Sockers Game Notes at Las Vegas Legends - San Diego Sockers
- Tiguinho Leads Fury Back for OT Win - Ontario Fury
- Surge Fall to Express 12-3 - Sacramento Surge
- Dallas Defeats Tulsa, 14-5 - Tulsa Revolution
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