Sidekicks Lose in Shootout to Utica City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Alex S.
469-393-0165
alex@dallassidekicks.org

Allen, TX (February 14, 2020)– The Dallas Sidekicks lost at home against Utica City FC in a shootout that ended 8-7. The Sidekicks next game will be at home on Feb. 15th, 2020 at 7.00PM CT against the Tacoma Stars at the Allen Event Center in Allen, TX for Military and First Responders’ Appreciation Night.

The Sidekicks came out strong and former Utica City player turned Sidekick, Freddy Moojen, scored the first goal of the night to bring Dallas in the lead 1-0. Sidekicks keeper Juan Gamboa broke hearts with each save as Utica peppered the goal with shots. With six minutes left in the first quarter the Sidekicks stole another goal with Luiz Felipe bringing Dallas’ lead to 2-0. Utica answered back and Moises Gonzalez scored one to cut the Sidekicks lead 2-1. The quarter ended with the Sidekicks up 2-1.

The second quarter started with both teams consistently exchanging possession. Utica made something happen halfway through the second when Liam Callahan scored and tied the game 2-2. With only five minutes left in the quarter Luiz Felipe got his second goal of the night and brought the Sidekicks in the lead again 3-2. There was a slight scuffle between the teams, but it dissipated with nothing materializing. Utica goalkeeper Matt Perrella was called for handball outside the box and Arthur Ivo was given a penalty kick and he scored and increased the Sidekicks lead 4-2. The quarter ended with the Sidekicks in the lead 4-2.

The second half started with Utica player Moises Gonzalez scoring a goal for his team. Then, Utica went on a scoring streak when both Jake Schindler and Bo Jelovac both scored goals within fifteen seconds of each other. City FC took the lead 5-4 and the quarter ended with Utica up by one goal.

The fourth quarter started with Sidekicks player Felipe de Sousa getting a blue card for boarding and Utica went on the power play. Gamboa made a huge save to take possession of the ball for the Sidekicks and slow down Utica’s power play, but Utica gained possession a few seconds later and Moises Gonzalez got a hat trick and increased Utica’s lead 6-4. Halfway through the quarter De Sousa scored a banger and brought the Sidekicks within one of Utica 5-6. Moojen tied the game up with a quick goal to make it 6-6. Utica goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin was given a blue card for dangerous play and Luiz Felipe was given a penalty kick and scored and brought the Sidekicks up 7-6 with less than five minutes left in the game. Utica City’s Onua Obasi was given a blue card for pushing. The Sidekicks went on the power play, but Utica successfully killed it. Utica put in a sixth attacker, drew a foul then called a time out with thirty-one seconds left in the game. It paid off and Utica City’s Jake Schindler scored to tie the game up 7-7 and the game went into sudden death overtime.

Both teams came out strong in the overtime period and Gamboa made a huge save. Ivo sent a strong shot to Utica’s keeper, but he deflected it and the crowd collectively groaned. The Sidekicks got a set piece and called a time out. Ivo got another great look and narrowly missed scoring. Utica’s Obasi also got a good look and missed scoring by inches. The overtime ended tied 7-7 so the game went to a shootout.

Obasi was the first up and he sunk one past Gamboa to bring the score up to 8-7. Ivo then went up but couldn’t square one away and the score stayed at 8-7 in Utica’s favor. The Gamboa stopped Uroš Momić’s shot to keep the score 8-7 in Utica’s favor. Then Luiz Felipe’s shot was blocked. Gamboa then made a huge save against Bo Jelovac to keep Utica up 8-7, but Moojen was unable to score and Utica City won the game in a shootout 8-7.

Be sure to come to the Sidekicks next home game on Feb. 15th, 2020 at 7.00PM CT against the Tacoma Stars at the Allen Event Center in Allen, TX for Military and First Responders’ Appreciation Night. Single-game tickets are on sale now for all home games and season tickets are still available. Call the Sidekicks at 469.393.0165 for more information.

MASL Match Report
Match: Dallas Sidekicks vs Utica City FC
Date: February 14, 2020
Venue: Allen Event Center; Allen, TX
Kickoff: 7.30PM 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.