November 24, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Empire Strykers News Release
Ontario, Calif. – The Empire Strykers kicked off their 2023-24 MASL campaign with an 8-1 away defeat to the Chihuahua Savage of Mexico on Friday evening. The home side’s dominant win was powered by its trademark chemistry and a standout performance from star striker Hugo Puentes, who bagged two goals and an assist. With Chihuahua having retained the core of its championship-winning roster from last season, Empire’s young, revamped squad struggled to put up a real challenge in its first competitive game since the recent flurry of offseason moves.
The Strykers claimed the early lead on a gorgeous tally from Howard Miller Jr. As midfielder Quenton Swift laid the ball off with his back to the goal, Miller Jr. hit a powerful right-footed volley from well outside the box that stayed low and snuck inside the left upright. The visitors could have doubled their advantage shortly thereafter, but goalkeeper Ivan Munoz came up with a fingertip save to deny Abdul Mansaray, who had done well to turn and send a curling effort toward the right post.
Jaime Alejandro Romero nearly leveled things up at the other end, releasing a long-range rocket that rattled the left side of the frame. It would initiate a period of sustained pressure from the Mexicans, who again came close when Carlos Hernandez picked out an open Puentes and netminder Brandon Gomez was forced to quickly pull up both hands for a point-blank reflex save.
After the Strykers nearly punished Chihuahua for the missed chances, Swift forcing an opposition mistake and Gerardo Jurado sending a seemingly simple tap-in over the bar, the Savage returned to its attacking ways and nearly found the leveler on a pair of Adriano Nunes attempts in quick succession. Each time, Empire’s Gomez did well do get his body in the way and avert the danger.
Following an uneventful start to the game’s second period, the Savage finally made it 1-1 on a shot that resembled Miller Jr.’s opener, except that Enrique Canez’ powerful volley from the top of the box shook the net just underneath the crossbar. The midfielder displayed perfect technique as he opted for a first-time hit on Israel Sesay’s looping clearance. Energized by the goal, the hosts quickly added another to claim the lead. Javier Gallegos took full advantage of a scramble inside the box that saw the ball come loose centrally. The attacker got just enough contact on his low shot to send it…