Storm rally falls short in OT
April 3, 2009 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
Chicago Storm News Release
PLYMOUTH, Mich. (April 3, 2009) - The Chicago Storm would not allow Detroit to turn Friday's XSL match into a 3-hour coronation ceremony.
But like the championship team they are, the Ignition shaped the night into the celebration they wanted, fending off the Storm's eight-point rally for a 14-12 overtime victory at Compuware Sports Arena.
After clinching the XSL championship last Sunday following Milwaukee's loss to New Jersey, the Ignition (12-7) spent the week hyping the postgame ceremony. Then they took a 12-4 lead early in the third quarter, and looked ready to close the door.
Chicago (7-12) refused to go out that way, and the rally started when Freddie Moojen scored on an assist from Will Kletzien with :25 left in the third quarter.
Ian Bennett closed the gap to 12-8, then Dan Antoniuk redirected the long shot by sixth attacker Stephen Armstrong with 2:20 remaining to make it 12-10.
Finally, in a 4-v-4 situation after each team took a blue card, Andy Rosenband's shot from tight along the boards hit the hip of defender Josh Rife and popped high above keeper Danny Waltman and into the goal with just 1:31 to go.
Bennett nearly won it for the Storm 5 minutes into the overtime, smacking the crossbar with a shot from the left wing. But Tino Scicluna set off the overflow crowd of 4,299 6:15 into the extra period by beating Bayard Elfvin to the far post from just inside the 3-point arc.
Rosenband led the Storm with two goals.
Chicago wraps up the regular season at 3 p.m. Sunday at home against the Milwaukee Wave. It's Fan Appreciation Day, and everyone is invited on the field following the game to get autographs and photos from the Storm players. For tickets, call 1-866-STORM-81 or visit Ticketmaster.com.
Founded last summer by the Milwaukee Wave, Detroit Ignition, New Jersey Ironmen and Chicago Storm, the Xtreme Soccer League is more than an indoor soccer league. The Xtreme Soccer Xperience is an energetic and innovative 12-month sports lifestyle brand built around skilled soccer professionals, entertainment and fan participation -- both live and online. For more information, visit XtremeSL.net.
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Xtreme Soccer League Stories from April 3, 2009
- Detroit celebrates their championship in front of 4,000 plus at Compuware - Detroit Ignition
- Storm rally falls short in OT - Chicago Storm
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