Sidekicks Lose Second Game in Double Header Against Florida Tropics

Lakeland, FL (January 23, 2022) – On Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Sidekicks (5-6) bravely lost 10-6 against the Florida Tropics (9-1).

Following Sunday's defeat, the North Texas side needed redemption to perform better. The Florida Tropics kicked things off on the scoreboard within the first couple of minutes in the match. Sidekicks’ defender Cody Ellis put the Sidekicks to level, scoring his second goal of the season. The Tropics would triple their lead before Luiz Morales scored his twelfth goal of the season.

Leading 3-2 after the first quarter, the Tropics scored two more goals to increase their lead to make it 5-2. The Sidekicks attempted to cut distances but were unable to produce many goalscoring opportunities due to the defensive efforts from the home side. The Tropics would go to the half with their 5-2 lead intact.

The Sidekicks were much better than the Tropics for most of the third quarter. Luiz Morales scored his second goal of the night, and Felipe Silva scored in the process to cut the Tropics lead short. It was not until the last few minutes of the quarter that the Tropics again would score to make it 6-4 in favor. During the power play in the quarter's final minute, Luiz Morales scored his third of the night. Unfortunately, the Tropics cut the celebration short as they scored within two seconds of the quarter to end to make it 7-5 in their favor.

The final quarter of the match saw the Sidekick run into a good Florida Tropics side. The home side was able to take advantage of their created chances by scoring three goals in the process. Jamie Lovegrove also got on the Sidekicks scoresheet after getting his shot past the keeper via a penalty kick. The Sidekicks put on a better performance but were still not enough to overcome a tough Florida Tropics side.

Hattrick hero, Luiz Morales shared his thoughts on the Sidekicks performance Sunday afternoon.

“Thankful for my hattrick today and I was glad it for the Sidekicks,” said Morales. “We came in here knowing it wasn’t going to be an easy game. The momentum of the game changes pretty quickly, and these games can get you out of your comfort zone.”

Felipe Silva also shared his comments on the team’s performance and what to expect when the team faces the Kansas City Comets next weekend.

“Our team can score but concedes very quickly,” said Silva. “I feel like if we had scored, we could’ve had the chance to caught up. Next week is another tough match, this week we will work hard to get a good result in Kansas.”

The North Texas side will go on the road on Saturday, January 29, 2022, to face Central Division leaders Kansas City Comets at the Cable Dahmer Arena.

The Sidekicks return to the Credit Union of Texas Event Center on Saturday, February 5, 2022, against East Division side Harrisburg Heat (1-5) at 7:00 pm CST.

ABOUT THE DALLAS SIDEKICKS

The Dallas Sidekicks is an American professional indoor soccer team of the Major Arena Soccer League. The organization was established in 1984, is headquartered in Allen, Texas, and plays all home games at the Allen Event Center. Follow the Sidekicks at www.dallassidekicks.com and on their social media. 

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 ABOUT THE MAJOR ARENA SOCCER LEAGUE 

The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. The MASL features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL is currently incorporated as a 501(c)6 not for profit corporation formed to promote the business and sport of arena soccer.