ALLEN, TX- The Sidekicks hosted the Monterrey Flash for a third time this season and Dallas was hoping to win their second game in a row after a rough start to the season. 

First Half Action

The first quarter was filled with back and forth counter attacks from both teams. Monterrey’s goal opened up the scoring and quickly extended their lead after the ball took a deflection into Sidekicks goalie Juan Gamboa’s net. Constant changes in possession occurred throughout the match, as both teams were looking to be more dominant on the field. With seconds left in the clock, the Flash would find the back of the net to give them three goals in the first quarter 

The second quarter seemed a bit different for the Sidekicks, controlling the pace and tempo of the match. Back to back goals from the Flash extended the Mexican dominance over the Texan side. Monterrey was lucky enough to find space at the right time to convert their shots into goals. The second quarter was certainly filled with many scoring opportunities for both sides. Felipe de Sousa managed to become the home side’s first goal scorer of the night to cut into the Flash’s lead. The first half ended in favor of the Flash; Dallas coach Simon Bozas needed to make a change of attitude in their quest for a victory. 

Contention in the Second Half

The Sidekicks were aiming to get back into the game early in the third quarter, but the Flash had other plans. Back to back goals by the visitors set a sour tone. High pressure and solid defending were factors that helped the visiting team control the game in the third quarter. Johnathan Segura managed to get on the scoreboard to score the Sidekick’s second goal of the night. After an incredible solo goal, Brazilian Lipe would get his shot to the back of the net.

The fourth quarter took about eight to ten minutes to commence after an altercation broke down right at the end of the third quarter. Monterrey players Brayan Aguilar and Marco Antonio Tovar both got ejected for punching and spitting at opponents during the altercation. Seconds after the game started again, Monterrey would find the back of the net to extend their lead even further. Another goal from the visiting side made it past Gamboa for the ninth time and final time of the night. Freddy Moojen scored his seventh goal of the season as his shot found its way past the Monterrey keeper. 

The match ended yet again in favor of Monterrey with a final score of 9-4. The Flash defeated the Sidekicks in all four of the team’s matchups this season. The Sidekicks are now 2-8 this season after Thursday’s loss. They will go on the road to face the Turlock Cal Express January 25th, with enough time to concentrate and get back on their feet in an away match.

Post Match Reactions and what’s next.

Freddy Moojen gave his insights into Thursday night’s game. “When we play against a team like that (Monterrey) of course, mistakes are going to happen,” Moojen said, “Those mistakes cost us a lot of goals, and it was hard to come back.”

Felipe de Sousa gave his insights from the game “The intensity should’ve been there,” De Sousa said. “Today we started a little slow, the second half was kind of more of our game.” Both expressed that this two-week off-period will be essential to prepare, rest, and maybe recuperate some players who are hurt. 

The Sidekick’s next home game is January 31st, where they’ll be facing the Florida Tropics for a Western/Eastern Division matchup. It will be the first and only time they’ll meet the Florida team this season. Simon Bozas’ men look to get back on track after their small break and try to dig out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves with a slow start this season.