Empire Strykers set franchise records in win over Flash

The Empire Strykers (8‐4‐1) traveled down to Monterrey, Mexico to play the Monterrey Flash (7‐2‐ 1) on Thursday night (2‐2‐23) as the only fixture on the MASL schedule.    

Monterrey Flash jumped out to an early and commanding lead with two set-piece goals from the top of the arch and another goal in the first quarter.    

The Empire Strykers didn’t stumble much longer. Franck Tayou owned the second quarter and netted a pair of goals to bring the Strykers into halftime only trailing 2‐3.   

The third quarter was split with each team getting a goal.  The rookie, Noe Favila got on the score sheet for his time in the MASL with a goal in the third quarter with only 1:04 left in the quarter. This was a momentum boost for the Strykers and really rallied the group.    

Jesus Pacheco opened the fourth quarter up with a goal that was assisted by Robert Palmer to get the game tied.  As the fourth quarter was riddled with controversial calls and blue cards, both teams had many chances to pull away for the three points.  Monterrey Flash pulled into the lead with a goal from Edgar Flores.  This really inspired the Empire Strykers.  Captain Franck Tayou responded with a goal to complete his hat trick on the night.  Robert Palmer followed with an unassisted goal to give the strykers their first lead of the night.  Monterrey Flash would not away easily as Luis Mendoza equalized just 1:46 after the Palmer goal.    

These two evenly-matched heavyweights could not decide the game in regulation and would need overtime for the points to be earned. After a very spirited ten minutes and tremendous penalty killing from the Empire Strykers, both teams failed to find the back of the net. 

Shootouts opened with Jesus Pacheco finding the back of the net.  Chris Toth making a save on Eric Tovar.  Justin Stinson beat Christian Hernandez for the second goal.  Luis Mendoza found a way to beat Chris Toth to shrink the lead to 2‐1. Franck Tayou finished the game as he converted on his shootout to win the game 3‐1 in shootouts.    

Empire Strykers earned a massive two points on the road and improve to 9‐4‐1 on the season.   This is the seventh win in a row for the Strykers which is a franchise record.  This is the first time the Empire Strykers (or formerly Ontario Fury) have won in Monterrey.  This was the first time this franchise has ever won on mainland Mexico.  The Empire Strykers will travel to Chihuahua to compete on Saturday night (2‐4‐23) to play the Chihuahua Savage (7‐1‐1).   

Monterrey Flash drop to 7‐2‐2 on the season.  The Flash will travel to compete vs the Tacoma Stars (4‐5‐0) on Saturday (2‐4‐23) in the Showare arena.