Strykers Fall 10-5 to Texas in Another Second-Half Collapse

January 10, 2024 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Empire Strykers News Release

Ontario, Calif. – The Empire Strykers fell victim to yet another second-half collapse on Tuesday evening, conceding five consecutive goals and suffering a 10-5 defeat at the hands of the visiting Texas Outlaws, whose impressive attack was led by David Ortiz and Luiz Morales. While Ortiz celebrated a hat-trick and added an assist, Morales recorded two goals and one helper. The disappointing result at Ontario’s Toyota Arena sees Empire drop to 2-6-0 (wins-losses-overtime/shootout losses) on the season.

The Strykers drew first blood early in the opening quarter. With Israel Sesay having forced a strong kick-save from Texas netminder Eduardo “Pollo” Cortes, Stefan Mijatovic was quickest to the rebound and smashed the ball into the far-side upper corner to make it 1-0. The visitors weren’t behind for long, as Ortiz leveled things after breaking into the area courtesy of an impressive solo run. Ex-Empire man Uzi Tayou then put the Outlaws on top, and Strykers ‘keeper Brandon Gomez prevented a third by way of an excellent foot-save against Lucas Ramalho. Texas did go up 1-3 when Ortiz bagged his second of the match.

History was made in the second period, which saw the maiden goal created by Empire’s new Guadalajara and El Tri connection. Marco Fabián fired home while fellow Chivas legend and FIFA World Cup veteran Miguel Ponce collected the assist off the boards for his first ever point in his MASL debut. Visibly energized, the hosts kept pressing and were rewarded when Alan Perez set up Justin Stinson for the equalizer. However, the Outlaws struck back almost immediately, Morales pouncing on a mistimed Sesay header to make it 3-4. Mendez subsequently doubled Texas’ cushion on an Erik Macias helper.

Despite the pair of setbacks, the Strykers refused to give in and got back to within one before the end of the half, ex-Portland Timbers 2-man Harold Hanson grabbing his first goal in pro indoor soccer and Fabián adding his seventh assist of the campaign. The Outlaws very nearly re-established their previous advantage, but Morales’ bullet from the left bounced off the underside of the crossbar.

Returning from the locker rooms, both sides seemed acutely aware of the importance of the game’s next tally. It ultimately fell to the away side, Jorge Deleon rifling a low shot into the bottom lefthand corner from long range. The wicked drive seemed to break the spirits of the Empire…