SIDEKICKS SNEAK PAST BLAST 5-4

Allen, TX  – The Dallas Sidekicks (4-4) came out on top in a thrilling match against the Baltimore Blast (3-2). They topped the visiting Baltimore squad by a 5-4 final Friday night.

The first quarter saw both sides attempt numerous times on goal but could not get their shot past the goalkeepers. With nearly four seconds left into the first quarter, Jamie Lovegrove would get his shot past the goalkeeper to open the score for the North Texas side.

Both teams were evenly matched in the second quarter, but after a strike from half field, the Blast leveled the score as the ball bounced off Juan Gamboa's foot and into the net. Thanks to a good combination play, Lovegrove assisted Mike Jones to an open net goal to bring back the Sidekicks upfront, making it 2-1 with five minutes left in the clock. Jones would score his first goal of the season. Luiz Morales would double the lead for the Sidekicks to make it 3-1 just before halftime to score his ninth goal of the season.

"The match could've gone either way," said Morales. "We're all back together, and none of our players were out, so we are a strong team. I feel like nobody can stop us when we are together."

Just as the third quarter began, the Blast shortened the goal distance after they scored their second goal of the match to make it 3-2. Jamie Lovegrove would increase the Sidekicks' lead after a fantastic strike to score his second goal of the night. The quarter saw numerous attempts from the Sidekicks as they sought opportunities to increase their lead but were denied by the Blast.

"At the end of the day, we won," said Lovegrove. "If we continue to put performances like that, I think we can compete with some of the best teams in the league."

The fourth quarter saw another Sidekicks' goal by Cody Ellis, who scored his first goal of the season. Baltimore Blast put another goal against the Sidekicks to shorten their lead. In the end, it was the Sidekicks who came up on top against very tough opponents.

"It's Milwaukee again," said Lovegrove. "We put in a good performance over there. We need to do it again on Sunday."

The Sidekicks return to the Credit Union of Texas Event Center on Sunday, January 16, 2022, against Central division rival side Milwaukee Wave (0-5) at 12:30 pm CST.