Savage hands Tropics first regulation time loss of season, 9-5

by Brian Ackley/Tropics

LAKELAND, FL. -- Miguel Angel Diaz scored just five minutes into the game and the Chihuahua Savage never let up from there, rolling to a 9-5 win over the Florida Tropics in a Major Arena Soccer League game Friday night at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. 

The Tropics never led, and Chihuahua's biggest lead was four in the second half as the Savage improved to 2-0-1 while the Tropics fell to 4-1-1, but still remain in first place in the Eastern Division.  

The Savage had the better of play for most of the night, outshooting Florida 40-24. 

Bryan Macias, Huge Puentes, and Roberto Escalante each had two goals for the Savage, who also got goals from Edgar Gonzalez and Carlos Hernandez. 

Florida, which trailed 5-3 at intermission, got two goals and an assist from Victor Parreiras. Zach Reget scored, extending his goal-scoring streak to six games, while Taylor Walter Bond and Rafa Alves also scored. 

Florida will be on the road next Tuesday to take on the Empire Strykers, while Chihuahua will travel to meet the Monterrey Flash on Jan. 8. 

The Tropics set atop the east with 13 points, three points ahead of Kansas City, but the Comets have already played two more games than Florida. After its quick road trip to Ontario, California, the team is back home for a weekend doubleheader Jan. 6 and 8 against the Harrisburg Heat. 

Tickets for all home games are available starting at just $7 per game by calling the arena box office at 863-834-8111. Although tickets are also available online at www.rpfundingcenter.com, service fees are significantly higher through Ticketmaster as opposed to calling the box office directly. Tickets are also available on game day at the box office.