Sidekicks Lose To Tacoma

Allen, TEXAS – It was a low-scoring, competitive affair for the Dallas Sidekicks Thursday night as the team suffered a 3-2 loss to the Tacoma Stars. A goal from veteran Franck Mbemba in the fourth quarter tied the game 2-2, but Tacoma’s Adam West notched the game-winning goal with just 44 seconds remaining in the match. Sidekicks forward Cameron Brown added to his point streak, either scoring a goal or notching an assist in nine straight games.

The Sidekicks held possession for most of the the first quarter but could not find success on the attack. Tacoma defender West opened scoring at 8:40, his shot rolling along the top of the crossbar and in. The Stars outshot the Sidekicks 16-7 in the first half. Dallas’ defense and goalkeeper Juan Gamboa had their hands full and were able to hold off Tacoma until the closing minute of the half, Chase Hanson scoring at 14:27.

The Sidekicks came out hot in the third, playing up and catching Tacoma’s shot differential. At 6:36. a powerplay helped Dallas break through, Brown receiving a pass from Ricardinho, turning on the spot and blasting it by Stars goalkeeper Danny Waltman. Brown’s goal was the Sidekicks’ 17th powerplay goal of the season – the most in the MASL.

The fourth quarter saw the most back-and-forth play of the game, both teams firing off shots until Sidekicks veteran midfielder Mbemba launched one high to get the tying goal at 4:47. The Sidekicks had one more powerplay chance a few minutes later but were unable to convert. With it looking like the game was headed to overtime, Tacoma’s West got one past Gamboa at 14:16 to win it 3-2 for the Stars. With the loss Dallas slides into fourth in the Pacific Division, but with seven games to go and a tight spread amongst the Sidekicks, Tacoma and San Diego, Dallas still has a great chance of claiming a spot in the playoffs.