Sidekicks Defeat Las Vegas 8-6, Move into First in the Central
Published on January 31, 2014 under Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
ALLEN, Texas - One step closer to the playoffs, the Sidekicks defeated top in the Pacific Division Las Vegas 8-6 Friday night. The Legends tied the game twice in the first quarter and came within one with a few minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but Dallas never relented their lead. Midfielder Nestor Hernandez continued his hat-trick streak, and goalkeeper Sagu stopped 24 shots in his first game back after missing nine matches with a hip flexor injury.
Las Vegas boasts the best powerplay in the PASL, but were held to two for six and gave up two shorthanded goals at the Allen Event Center. The Sidekicks remain undefeated at their home venue, winning all 16 matches the team has played there.
After back-and forth-play and six early fouls, a give-and-go from Jamie Lovegrove to Ricardinho to Carlos Videla opened up scoring in the first quarter at 7:52. Just 12 seconds later, Las Vegas defender Eric Guzman tied it up. The score changed twice more in the next two minutes, Shaun David dribbling through the Legends' defense and scoring at taking back Dallas' lead at 8:23. Soon after, Alex Caceres tied the game a second time, but a late goal from Sidekicks' midfielder Ricardinho put the Sidekicks up 3-2 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was all Sidekicks, goalkeeper Sagu solid with 9 saves and veteran midfielder Patrick Shamu scoring just 32 seconds in. A sixth team foul put the Sidekicks down a man late in the quarter, but a long pass from Sagu to Jamie Lovegrove resulted in a breakaway shorthanded goal, Dallas' fifth of the season.
Nestor Hernandez added to the Sidekicks lead with three goals early in the quarter, the first a powerplay goal at 3:51 and the second a shorthanded goal at 5:37, the midfielder catching Las Vegas goalkeeper Zeke Sanchez out of his net. The Legends contributed two goals of their own late in the quarter, and followed up with two more in the fourth. Hoping to even up the score, Las Vegas enlisted a sixth attacker with a few minutes to go, but Hernandez took advantage and cemented an 8-6 Sidekicks win, scoring his fourth consecutive hat trick.
The win puts the Sidekicks in first place in the PASL's Central Division. Having already secured a spot in the playoffs, Dallas is in an ongoing battle for the top spot with the Hidalgo La Fiera, who gained the advantage over the Sidekicks by beating them on the road 12-9 in December.
The Sidekicks will hit the road next weekend to take on the Wichita B'52s (6-6) on Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m. Dallas has been victorious over Wichita three times so far this season with final scores of 15-3, 6-3 and 6-0. The team is back home at the Allen Event Center on Sunday, February 16 to face the Harrisburg Heat (4-9) for the only time this season. Last year the Sidekicks defeated the Heat 6-2 in their only meeting on Nov 3rd. Individual and season tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.dallassidekicks.net or call 214-550-6130. Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @GoSidekicks or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoSidekicks.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from January 31, 2014
- Sidekicks Defeat Las Vegas 8-6, Move into First in the Central - Dallas Sidekicks
- B-52s Host Mustangs in USOASC Quarterfinals Tomorrow - Wichita B-52s
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