Sidekicks Lose in Tight Battle Against San Diego

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

Allen, Texas (January 31, 2021)– The Dallas Sidekicks lost at home against the San Diego Sockers 5-3 in their fourth MASL game of the season. The Sidekicks next game is next Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 7:30PM CT against the Tacoma Stars back at the Allen Event Center in our "Super Classico" game.

The Sidekicks would have a stronger opening quarter, controlling the game and outshooting the visitors 7-2. Neither team would be able to get the ball past the quality goalies in the oppositions net. The quarter would be highlighted by the surprise engagement of Tony Piatti and Courtney Munoz on the center spot during the under eight timeout. Courtney said "Yes" in front of the biggest home crowd of the season!

The second quarter would see the first goal of the game as the Sidekicks were finally rewarded when Julio Varela found the back of the net after two minutes. San Diego would respond with two goals from Brandon Escoto. The first goal would come on the power play after Freddie Moon was called for boarding near the Sockers goal. The second goal would come at full strength and would be the final score of the half with San Diego leading 2-1. Both teams would fire seven shots at goal in the second quarter.

After a half-time performance by "Soccer Dave" who juggled across the field and on a board up in the air between two ladders the two teams resumed play. The first goal of the second half would put the boys in green down two goals as Leonard De Oliveira's shot would beat Juan Gamboa about three minutes in. Raul De La Gala, fresh off his debut on Sidekicks Direct, the official podcast of the Dallas Sidekicks, would score his first goal of the season towards the end of the quarter after an assist by Gustavo Piedra. The game would be a tight 3-2 affair heading into the final quarter after the Sidekicks outshot the Sockers 6-4 in the third.

The final quarter would be an intense battle throughout. San Diego would get some breathing room after Escoto completed his hat trick to push the lead back to two.  Felipe De Sousa, back from an injury in the first game in which he had a hat trick of his own, would close the gap to one with a goal after Dallas brought on their sixth attacker to ramp up the pressure. The unassisted goal came at the 9:34 mark and it would remain that way until with just 26 second left as Escoto would add his fourth goal and the game would end at 5-3. The Sidekicks would again outshoot the Sockers, this time 9-4 in the quarter, running their advantage to 29-17 for the game.    

Be sure to catch the Sidekicks next home game as they host the Tacoma Stars for our Super Classico on Saturday, February  6th at 7:30pm.  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 San Diego Sockers
Date: January 31, 2021
Venue: Allen Event Center; Allen, TX
Kickoff: 3:00PM 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.