Strykers Collapse in Second Half, Lose 9-2 at Monterrey

November 26, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Empire Strykers News Release

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico – The Empire Strikers showed plenty of promise in their away clash with Mexico’s Monterrey Flash on Sunday afternoon, only to fall 9-2 courtesy of a third-quarter collapse and the standout play of Monterrey’s Jorge Luis Cortes, who bagged a hat-trick. While Empire forward Abdul Mansaray earned himself a brace, it wasn’t enough for the visitors from California, whose lack of experience became evident against a well-oiled attacking machine and one of the traditional powerhouses of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL).

While the opening quarter didn’t feature much in the way of dangerous chances, it did see a vastly improved performance by the Strykers compared to Friday’s 8-1 loss at Chihuahua. Head Coach Paul Wright’s men seemed to be pressing higher, running harder, and showing an overall increased intensity and physicality. The best look of the period came when Monterrey’s Alvaro Bocanegra drove toward the box centrally and released a powerful drive that was punched clear by Empire ‘keeper Brandon Gomez.

Early in the second quarter, the Strykers would reward themselves for their hard work. On a long clearance that sailed deep into Flash territory, defender Ismael Rojo seemed to be in control as he attempted to shield the ball for Christian Hernandez to collect on the right side of the area. However, Mansaray refused to give up on the play and steered a toe-poke right past the approaching goalkeeper and inside the far post.

The home side responded well to the setback, coming close to equalizing with a pair of chances in quick succession. First, Cortes went just right of the frame, followed by a dangerous Genaro Castillo look. The Flash finally did find the net on a power play. After Gomez had displayed outstanding positioning to block a Cortes attempt from point-blank range, the Strykers goaltender was subsequently left helpless against the 28-year-old. Castillo smashed a ball off the board that dropped near the goal and was nodded under the crossbar by Cortes.

The visitors could have reclaimed the lead when Justin Stinson threaded the ball through to Lucas Roque and the Brazilian-American failed to convert from the doorstep, seemingly surprised by the open look. After the Flash’s Alexis Espinosa blasted a shot off the crossbar and Empire’s Stefan Mijatovic denied Jhon Ponce with a sliding goal-line clearance, Mansaray had the first of…