Storm Snap Losing Streak With 18-12 Victory Over New Jersey
February 8, 2009 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
Chicago Storm News Release
NEWARK, N.J. (Feb. 8, 2009) - Frederico Moojen scored twice in his return to New Jersey and the Chicago Storm's inspired defensive effort ended their five-game losing streak, 18-12 on Sunday at the Prudential Center.
Chicago (3-6) rallied from an 8-6 deficit with three quick scores in the latter half of the third quarter for a 12-8 lead. That held until New Jersey brought on the sixth attacker, and Stephen Armstrong and then Fabinho iced the game with empty-net 3-pointers. New Jersey scored two goals late to close the final margin.
The key sequence, however, was defensive. Moojen appeared to have put Chicago on top 14-8 with 9:55 remaining, but after discussion the officials disallowed the goal due to an illegal substitution. Not only did the goal disappear, New Jersey then went on the power play. But in two minutes, New Jersey was unable to make the man advantage count and the Storm held on.
Moojen, last season's Rookie of the Year, was traded by the Ironmen to Chicago in exchange for Randi Patterson on Jan. 31. He had been slowed this year with a toe injury but made his mark right away on Sunday. High pressure in New Jersey's defensive third led to a turnover and Armstrong fed Moojen for the game's first goal midway through the first quarter.
Ian Bennett made it 4-0 at the end of a beautiful build out of the defensive half, Branko Savic setting him up at the near post for a turning shot.
New Jersey (3-6) rallied, and took that 8-6 lead with 10:08 to go in the third when Lucio Gonzaga, the league's leading scorer, finished a feed from Chile Farias on a restart.
From that moment, however, it was all Storm. Andy Rosenband finished at the back post with 6:20 to go, Moojen scored his second 2:18 later and Lazo Alavanja made it 12-8 with 1:40 remaining in the third period.
Jeff Richey was magnificent in goal with 16 saves and Fabinho was credited with three of the Storm's nine blocks.
After almost six weeks away, the Storm return to the Sears Centre for a 3 p.m. kickoff next Sunday against the Milwaukee Wave. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling the Storm office at 1-866-STORM81 (1-866-786-7681).
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.
Xtreme Soccer League Stories from February 8, 2009
- Ignition top wave for fifteenth straigth home win - Detroit Ignition
- Wave fall in Detroit, 10-4 - Milwaukee Wave
- Storm Defeat New Jersey at Prudential Center, 18-12 - New Jersey Ironmen
- Storm Snap Losing Streak With 18-12 Victory Over New Jersey - Chicago Storm
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