The Dallas Sidekicks returned to the Allen Event Center to face Utica City and Tacoma Stars after coming off of two losses against the Monterrey Flash and Sonora Soles in Mexico.

Playing their hearts out not enough

On Valentine’s Day, the Sidekicks hosted Utica City FC in the first game of a back-to-back homestand that had to be decided in a penalty shootout. The Sidekicks fought well, leading by as much as two goals, highlighted by a hat trick by Brazilan forward Luiz Felipe Xavier De Andrade, but a late-period goal by Utica’s Jake Schindler with just twenty-three seconds left erased the Sidekick’s lead, sending the game into overtime.

After a scoreless period in extra time, the Dallas Sidekicks failed to connect on all three attempts against Utica City keeper Matt Perrella. Sidekicks’ goalkeeper Juan Gamboa managed to get two huge saves, but Utica defender Onua Obasi’s lone shootout goal proved to be enough to send Utica to their fifth straight victory.

The 8-7 Sidekicks’ loss sent Dallas home packing with their sixth straight loss.

Sidekicks forward Freddy Moojen scored two goals, while Arthur Ivo and Felipe De Sousa each added a goal of their own.

A match that should’ve been won.

On Saturday, despite coming off a loss, the Sidekicks attempted to take any positive momentum against Tacoma Stars.

In the second night of a back-to-back, Dallas again proved to be the better side, but were yet again unable to seal the win. After a Freddy Moojen’s goal put the Sidekicks up 2-1 early in the second period, the Stars would answer back with four goals of their own, carrying their lead into the fourth period.

Then, with just under a minute remaining, successive goals by Gustavo Piedra and Freddy Moojen put the Sidekicks within one goal of the Stars. Despite a well-fought, the Sidekicks (2-14) efforts fail short, sending them to their seventh straight loss of the season.

Sidekicks future

With just three home games left in the season, the Sidekicks continue to face strong opponents in the San Diego Sockers (12-5), Mesquite Outlaws (5-11), and Turlock Cal Express (4-11). These three matches will prove to be difficult, but the focus, for now, remains on the two upcoming to away games.

The Sidekicks will first head to Ontario to face the Fury (7-8) and continue on the road to face the Turlock Cal Express before returning home to face the San Diego Sockers on February 23rd at the Allen Events Center. The Sidekicks (2-14) sit at last place in the Western Conference. With just eight games in the season, including five on the road, the Sidekicks run must start now, if they want any hope at clinching a playoff spot.