Sidekicks Lose 9-8 After Penalty Shootout Dramatics against the Ambush
February 27, 2022 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
St Charles, MO - The Dallas Sidekicks (8-8) faced a fifth and final time against St. Louis Ambush (6-9-2) this season Sunday afternoon, where the Sidekicks fell 9-8 after a dramatic penalty shootout.
The first quarter was filled with a fantastic performance by both sides. The home side quickly took an early lead but was quickly overturned when both Bradlee Baladez and Jamir Lovegrove scored to give the Sidekicks the 2-1 lead. The North Texas side conceded two goals late in the quarter for the home side to take the lead 3-2 at the end of the quarter.
The second half was favorable in terms of reaching the opposition's goal. The Sidekicks had 11 shots and scored one goal, which Felipe De Sousa got on the scoresheet. The Ambush also scored a goal in an entertaining second quarter where both sides constantly attacked each other. The quarter ended 4-3 still in favor for the home side.
The third quarter was better than the previous two quarters, with the Sidekicks successfully turning the game around and outscoring the Ambush 4-1 in the quarter. Jamie Lovegrove and Felipe De Sousa scored their second goal of the match. David Ortiz and Sebastian Mendez also scored each, finishing the quarter 7-5.
The Ambush got an early lead in the match's final quarter, reducing the Sidekicks' lead to 7-6. The Sidekicks still overcame the Ambush in total shots attempted and created a few goalscoring opportunities of their own. The Ambush leveled the game to make it 7-7 with two minutes left into the final quarter. With no angle to take a shot, Felipe De Sousa scored his third of the game, giving the North Texas side the 8-7 lead. The Ambush tied the game with 45 seconds left in the final quarter.
The Ambush's late equalizer forced the Sidekicks to play their second overtime game this season. The Ambush tied the game with 45 seconds left in the final quarter. After numerous attempts from the Sidekicks to score the game-winner, the Ambush defense shut out their efforts and forced the match into a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Felipe De Sousa kicked things off for the Sidekicks and saw his effort saved by the keeper. Sebastian Mendez scored his goal to make 1-1 in the penalty shootout. David Ortiz scored his goal to make it 2-2. Juan Gamboa could not deny the Ambush's winning penalty to make it 3-2.
Despite Felipe De Sousa's hattrick, the team was not able to pick up the win despite hitting on target a few times.
"We play as a team, and we lose as a team," said De Sousa. "It doesn't matter how one person does. For me, we should've had the game, but mistakes made us lose the game."
The Sidekicks go on the road again next Friday when the team travels to Missouri when the team faces the Kansas City Comets, before making a return to the Credit Union of Texas Event Center on March 6, 2022, at 3 PM CST.
"We have to be more patient with the ball in our next game," said De Sousa. "We have to keep moving, but we have to strive to go above third place in the division."
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