Missed field goal gives Dorados win
June 26, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
San Diego Riptide News Release
Coach Sean Ponder needed one word to sum up the key to his Riptide team's game against the Rio Grande Valley Dorados: Defense.
And the 'Tide delivered.
But it wasn't enough to hold off their National West Division opponents as the Dorados scored on the last play of the game to drop the Tide, 65-58.
The roller coaster fourth quarter ended when Dorados lineman, Gathan McGinnis returned a 33-yard missed field goal for a touchdown as time expired, giving Rio Grande Valley the win 65-58.
Early on, San Diego's fortunes took a turn for the worse when quarterback Kane Claunch went down with a knee sprain. But Ryan Smith filled in and, with help from Ironman of the Game Steve Gonzalez's 57 yard TD kickoff return, led the Tide to a 28-20 halftime lead. The defense held offensive player of the game, quarterback Josh Kellett, to a mere 69 yards passing, Kellett would come back in the second half, though, with three TD passes to Marquis Floyd to keep the Dorados within striking distance.
âTide defensive back, Maurice Taylor, the defensive player of the game, teamed with fellow DS Kevin Burton to contain the opposing offense for most of the game, but the Dorados' propensity for second-half comebacks played out once again.
Gonzalez scored two td's and racked up 267 yards on eight returns to set a club record for return yardage for a season. Nian Taylor also scored twice and hauled in what looked to be a game-saving interception before âTide mistakes gave the ball back to Rio Grande Valley who scored to tie it at 48.
The âTide has a bye week before they return to action in Louisville to face the 7-5 Fire. Next home game is July 16 vs. the Central Valley Coyotes.
Offensive Player of the Game: Josh Kellett, RGV Defensive Player of the Game: Maurice Taylor, SDG Ironman of the Game: Steve Gonzalez, SDG
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