Lilavois reaches milestone, Cougars fall 29-12
March 23, 2008 - Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
California Cougars News Release
Stockton, CA - Mar. 22, 2008 - A 21 point first half of play was more than enough for the first place Detroit Ignition (19-7) as they pick up their ninth road win of the season, 29-12, over the California Cougars (9-18) at Stockton Arena. Coach Bernie Lilavois led the Cougars with seven points. His second quarter goal counted for point number 901 in his professional indoor soccer career. Jamar Beasley led the Ignition with five goals for 11 points in the Detroit victory.
The Cougars allowed four unanswered goals in the first quarter of play before Ryan Hall ended the run with his second goal of the season at the 12:02 mark. Beasley opened scoring with just 17 seconds off the first quarter clock. Hewerton Moreira and Leo Gibson followed with goals of their own. Gibson had three goals on the night.
Lilavois had a hat trick in just his fifth game of the season. His first goal was assisted by rookie Majell Aterado, the first of three on the night for Aterado. Lilavois' goal was the second of a three goal rally started by Hall at end of the first quarter. The Cougars looked to be on their way for another dramatic comeback after Evan McNeley's restart goal assisted by Lilavois at the 1:01 mark of the second. That rally ended when Droo Callahan nailed a two point power play goal past goalkeeper Matt McDougall at the 1:52 mark of the second.
Detroit took a 19-6 lead into the final minutes of the second quarter until Lilavois notched his second goal of the night and the 901st point of his career. Lilavois celebrated with teammates after the historic goal. It was a stop and shoot goal from the center of the penalty area at the 13:52 mark of the second quarter. Lilavois shook hands with official Tim Tyma who then handed the Cougars' coach the game ball in recognition of his achievement. The fans stood and applauded their coach as he firmly planted himself as one of the greatest indoor soccer players in California history.
Detroit led 21-8 at the beginning of the third quarter and promptly went on another run with one goal in the third and one in the fourth. The Cougars answered right back with a goal from assistant coach Antonio Sutton and Lilavois at the 4:32 and 7:03 mark of the fourth respectively. The final goals of the match came from Ryan Mack and Beasley to make the final score 29-12 in favor of Detroit.
The Cougars shot just 10 times in the first half and 11 in the second half for 21 total shots on goal in the loss. The Ignition outscored the Cougars 37-21 in the victory. The Ignition was caught for 13 fouls against nine in the match for California.
Matt McDougall started in goal for the Cougars during the first half. Sanaldo started the second. McDougall saved eight of 17 in his outing, Sanaldo was eight of 12. McDougall was given the loss in the match.
The Cougars take on the Chicago Storm on Friday March 28 at the Sears Centre. Chicago was shutout by the Baltimore Blast, 13-0, in Saturday MISL action. The Cougars wrap up March with a home date against the Orlando Sharks on March 30 at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are available by calling (209) 373-1550 or by visiting www.californiacougars.net.
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Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from March 23, 2008
- Stung Early, Wave Keep Composure, Dump Sharks 25-10 - Milwaukee Wave
- Lilavois reaches milestone, Cougars fall 29-12 - California Cougars
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