(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
BY DALLAS SIDEKICKS COMMUNICATIONS
ALLEN, Texas – The Dallas Sidekicks faced off against the Empire Strykers for the first time this season on Saturday night. The Sidekicks aimed to maintain their undefeated streak at home, while the Strykers looked to bounce back after a 7-5 loss to the Kansas City Comets the night before.
In the end, it was the Sidekicks that prevailed on Retro Night, 7-6, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center.
The Empire struck first, with Mounir Alami opening the scoring six minutes into the first quarter. Just two minutes later, Blas Pérez made his mark, netting his first goal of the season to tie the game. Empire quickly regained momentum, with Marco Fabián and Abdul Mansaray finding the back of the net in quick succession. However, the Sidekicks responded immediately, as Bradlee Baladez slotted one home just 30 seconds later to close the quarter at 3-2.
The action intensified early in the second quarter when Blas Pérez tied the game just 37 seconds into the frame. The Empire fought back with two quick goals from Marco Fabián and Mounir Alami. but the resilient Bradlee Baladez struck late into the quarter to narrow the gap to 5-4 heading into halftime.
The Sidekicks came out strong in the third quarter, with David Texeira tying the game just one minute into the quarter. Empire responded with another goal from Abdul Mansaray, but Yahir Romero quickly answered with his first goal of the season, leveling the game up at six goals apiece.
One minute into the fourth quarter, Jamie Lovegrove gave the Sidekicks the first lead of the game. Despite relentless pressure from the Strykers, who fired 10 shots in the final quarter compared to the Sidekicks’ five shots, the defense held firm.
The Sidekicks must now prepare for a challenging four-game road trip, which includes back-to-back matchups in Chihuahua, a rematch against the Harrisburg Heat, and a showdown with the Baltimore Blast. The team will return to the CUTX Event Center on Jan. 30 to host the Kansas City Comets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the National Soccer Network regarding club/youth soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with ties to a particular state or states, contact Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 32-year veteran of the Michigan and national media circles and recently joined the staff full time at PMG in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/NSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
PREMIER MEDIA GROUP / NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK / MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK ON-LINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/misoccernetwork
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561215500230
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/misoccernetwork/
ROKU TV: The National Soccer Network (NSN) is available on Roku TV through the NSN Sports Network app.
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / Michigan Soccer Network / National Soccer Network
Comments