Storm Win Xtreme Soccer League Season Opener
December 14, 2008 - Xtreme Soccer League (XSL)
Chicago Storm News Release
Newark, N.J. (Dec. 14, 2008) - The Chicago Storm professional indoor soccer team defeated the New Jersey Ironmen, 4-2, on Sunday in the Xtreme Soccer League 2008-2009 season opener for both teams.
The Storm defense held New Jersey scoreless in the second half, goalkeeper Jeff Richey made 18 saves, and forward Awadalla Morad scored the game-winning goal.
Morad's tally was his 50th career goal. He has played his entire pro indoor career with the Storm since the organization's start in 2004-2005. Last season Morad signed a five-game contract in an abbreviated season.
Next up for the Storm (1-0) is the team's home opener at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, against the Milwaukee Wave (1-0) at the Sears Centre Arena. Doors open at 6 p.m. Milwaukee won the first match in XSL history on Saturday, Dec. 13, against the Detroit Ignition (0-1), 11-4.
The Storm's home opener features the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Bring in a teddy bear to throw onto the field after the Storm score their first goal. The teddy bears are then donated to various local causes for the holidays! If you can't make it out to the game, all Storm and XSL matches are available online through B2 Networks.
During Sunday's XSL opener, the first two goals came in the first 6:09 of the first quarter. New Jersey (0-1) had the early lead just 1:06 in with an Adauto Neto tally. Chicago tied the score at 2-2 with a Chris Cerroni goal at 6:09.
It wasn't until the 1:43 mark of the fourth quarter when Morad gave Chicago a 4- 2 lead. The Storm improved to 3-2 on opening day games, winning the opener for the past three seasons.
The match was the lowest-scoring game in Storm history under the multi-point scoring system. The previous low was in 2006-2007, when the Storm defeated Philadelphia, 6-2, on Jan. 27, 2007.
Xtreme Soccer League Stories from December 14, 2008
- Ironmen Suffer Loss to Chicago in Season Opener - New Jersey Ironmen
- Storm Win Xtreme Soccer League Season Opener - Chicago Storm
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