Rampage Suffer Tough 3-2 Shootout Loss to Tacoma
January 14, 2017 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Cedar Rapids Rampage News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- The Cedar Rapids Rampage and Tacoma Stars engaged in a defensive battle for the ages, but after 70 minutes and 6 rounds of shootouts the Stars came away with a 3-2 victory at the ShoWare Center Friday night.
Raphael Cox got Tacoma on the board just 24 seconds into the game, but that would be the only goal of the first half, though the Stars carried most of the possession.
About two minutes into the third quarter Jamael Cox took an off balance shot that spun off Brett Petricek's hand over the goal line, but was quickly cleared out by Joshio Sandoval and play was allowed to continue. The Rampage capitalized on that break three minutes later when Tony Walls scored, assisted by Gordy Gurson, to tie the game, 1-1. Gurson extended his point scoring streak to 28 games.
At 12:58 of the quarter Dan Antoniuk drilled home a loose ball in a scrum that grazed Michael Ramos, who got credit for the goal that gave the Stars a 2-1 lead.
Gurson scored a highlight reel goal 32 seconds into the fourth quarter to tie the game again at 2-2. Pablo Da Silva popped a pass up in the air off the boards and Gurson went airborne for a brilliant side volley past Danny Waltman.
The Rampage dominated possession for much of the second half, especially in the fourth quarter and the 10 minute overtime. Walls, Sam Guernsey and Angel Curiel had scoring opportunities that ended in shots off the post or saved by Waltman.
In the shootout Joey Gjertsen scored and Walls and Derek Huffman were unsuccessful, but Gurson scored and the three rounds ended 1-1. Gurson and Alex Megson could not score in the 4th round and Curiel and Joseph Cairel both scored in the 5th round. Bobby Hurwitz was dead in the water when Waltman quickly cut down his shooting angle and Gjersten scored his second shootout goal to give Tacoma the sudden death win.
Cedar Rapids fell to 8-4, while the Kansas City Comets improved to 7-4 with a 5-2 win on Ontario. The Rampage still lead the Central Division but the Comets, Chicago Mustangs and Milwaukee Wave are all within a game and a half. Tacoma, who improved to 6-0 at home this season and 8-3 overall, moved into a tie for first place with the San Diego Sockers in the Pacific Division.
The Rampage will return home for a double header weekend, January 20-21, against the defending Newman Cup champion Baltimore Blast and the Syracuse Silver Knights. Tickets are on sale starting at just $9 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or the U.S. Cellular Center box office.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from January 14, 2017
- Stars Triumph over Rampage in Shootout, 3-2 - Tacoma Stars
- Rampage Suffer Tough 3-2 Shootout Loss to Tacoma - Cedar Rapids Rampage
- Comets Burn Bright in 5-2 Win over Ontario Fury - Ontario Fury
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