January 7, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – San Diego Sockers News Release
ALLEN, TX – The San Diego Sockers spotted the Dallas Sidekicks a 3-0 lead on Saturday night, then came roaring back, scoring seven straight goals en route to a 9-4 win at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Tavoy Morgan led the way with a hat trick and assist, his second four-point match of the season.
The Sockers (4-0, 11 points) extended their MASL regular season winning streak to 24 matches, and their points streak to 45 matches (41-0-4), while beating the Sidekicks for the ninth straight time. The Sockers and Dallas (0-5, 0 points) will meet again Sunday evening at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.
Rebounding from a poor first quarter after three weeks away from the floor, the Sockers out-scored the Sidekicks 4-0 in the second quarter, 2-0 in the third and 3-1 in the fourth. Leonardo de Oliveira broke out with a three-point match (goal, two assists) and Felipe Gonzalez added a goal and assist.
The Sidekicks came out celebrating their championship heritage with throwback purple uniforms, and their play in the first quarter was reminiscent of the squad that ended the Sockers’ 48-match winning streak on this field, in these kits. A high-pressure defensive strategy put the rusty San Diego side on their back heels, and quickly led to an inviting scoring opportunity.
After a defensive foul set up a left-wing free kick, Gustavo Piedra slotted a pass across the frame and through VcMor Eligwe to Oscar Romero, who slotted a wide-open sitter from close range on the right wing for a 1-0 lead at 3:58. Another free kick chance six minutes later was cashed in when Piedra found Bradlee Baladez for a long-range strike from the right side, good for a 2-0 advantage at 10:00.
Two minutes later, San Diego’s Leonardo de Oliveira was called for a blue card penalty as the last defender, giving Dallas a shootout power play. Jamie Lovegrove was given the chance and converted in silky fashion, sole-rolling Pardo to the floor before tapping home a memorable penalty and a 3-0 lead at 12:36. The Sidekicks carried their lead into the quarter break, with Gamboa stopping all five shots he faced.
San Diego needed a break of their own to start a comeback and got it on a sloppy clearance out of the Dallas defensive zone, leading to a top-of-the-arc free kick. In a well-drawn play, Kraig Chiles back-heeled a pass to Charlie Gonzalez on left wing, whose shot-pass to the back post was rammed in at the goal…