Dallas Open MASL Season with Loss to KC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        
Paul Donaghy
469-393-0162
paul@dallassidekicks.org

Allen, Texas (January 2, 2021)– The Dallas Sidekicks lost at home against the Kansas City Comets 8-5 in the MASL season opener for both teams. The Sidekicks next game is back at the Allen Event Center on Saturday, January 9th, 2021 at 7:00PM CT against the St. Louis Ambush.

The Sidekicks started the game strong getting gifted an own goal soon after the kickoff followed up by an unassisted Felipe De Sousa goal soon after to grab a quick 2-0 lead just a couple minutes into the new MASL season. De Sousa slotted home failed clearance by the Comets defense to double the lead but he wouldn't be done. De Sousa would grab another goal after beating the Comet's goalie on the wall and calmly finding the back of the net after an assist by Gustavo Piedra. Kansas City would answer with a couple of goals to cut the lead to one which is how the quarter would end.

The second quarter started with the Sidekicks dealing with not one but two men in the box after being issued blue cards.  Despite being outmanned, Dallas expertly handled their defensive assignments to kill off the two man advantage for the Comets.  The Sidekicks would get their first power play of the year with 4:26 left in the first quarter after Mike Jones got tripped from behind on a break away. Dallas missed several chances and as the penalty ended the Kansas City player exited the box and found himself with the ball and one-and-one with Sidekicks goalie Juan Gamboa. Unfortunately he was able to slip the ball by Gambo to tie the game at 3-3.  The game would remain tied at three at the sound of the halftime horn.

After a half-time performance in which Pops You Crazy swallowed a sword will jumping rope on a unicycle, both teams returned to the field determined to pick up a win.  The Comets would strike first at the 7:56 mark of the third quarter to jump out to a 4-3 lead which is how the quarter would end.  Ironically, it was the same lead Kansas City held after three quarters in the opener of the Central Cup back on December 12th.

 The Comets scored just seconds into the final quarter to increase their lead to two.  TJ Nelson, however,  would send a through ball to forward Freddy Moojen and the crafty forward knew what to do finding the net and cutting the lead to just one.  The Comets would answer with two quick goals to build a three goal lead near the nine minute mark.  Dallas would go on their second power play of the game and MASL All-Star Lipe would make them pay for the foul.  A rollover move followed by a left footed blast by the Brazilian would go upper 90 and ripple the net at the 7:02 mark.  Arthur Ivo would draw the Sidekicks third power play of the game and Dallas would put Ricardinho on as a second attacker to ramp up the attacking power. With ACDC's Thunderstruck pumping up the crowd the Sidekicks would fire shot after shot at the Comets goal but none would beat Kansas City goalie Nicolau Neto.  Sticking with the sixth attacker the Sidekicks would come close several times with Neto standing tall in net.  Kansas City would lob it over the defense to add one more with under ten seconds left to finish the game at 8-5.

Be sure to catch the Sidekicks next week as they host the St. Louis Ambush.  Single game and season tickets for the 2020-2021 season are on sale now and can be purchased here. Call the Sidekicks at 469-393-0160 for more information about tickets.

MASL Match Report
Match: Dallas Sidekicks vs Kansas City Comets
Date: January 2, 2021
Venue: Allen Event Center; Allen, TX
Kickoff: 7:00PM CT

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 1983, 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.
Facebook: @gosidekicksofficial Twitter: @gosidekicks Instagram: @gosidekicksofficial

ABOUT THE MAJOR ARENA SOCCER LEAGUE
The Major Arena Soccer Leaguerepresents 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.