Baja with the Golden Goal
Atletico Baja with the Golden Goal
(Tijuana, Mexico. December 11, 2016)--- Turlock Express (2-6 ) traveled to Baja California for tonight's matchup against Atletico Baja (4-2) at La Deportiva.
Express, after a devastating lost in Southern California on Friday against San Diego Sockers was hungry to get back on the field and play. Turlock made sure to take possession of the game in the beginning of the first quarter to get the lead.
Adrian Pulido assisted by Arturo Pulido made that possible with a rapid start in the first minute after kickoff. Baja had various attempts throughout the quarter but GoalKeeper Christopher Welch had some key saves to keep the scoreboard in favor of The Express.
Turlock continued to lead into halftime with an additional 3 goals by Jose Martinez, Martyn Arista and Jesse Horta. Baja in hopes to get back from the 4-1 lead that Express had, switches out their GoalKeeper and adds in a 6th attacker. This granted Baja their second goal of the night by Ernesto Luna, seconds before the 2nd quarter ended.
The second half of the match took an unpredictable turn. Shots were missed on both sides, a 6th attacker was repeatedly added and a Goalkeeper scored leaving everyone in shock.
Turlock Express had a one goal lead up to the 4th quarter until Manuel Cebreros, assisted by Juan Carlos Castor was able to get pass Turlock’s Defense and tie up the game at 12:59. As each minute passed by to finalize the quarter, both teams desperately searched for the advantage to untie the game but were unlucky forcing the match to go to overtime.
The man of the night was Atletico Baja player Christian Gutierrez who was able to capitalize during an overtime play concluding the nail biting game to a 9-8 score in favor of Tijuana.
Turlock Express is now heading back home to host El Paso Coyotes on Friday December 16th at 7:05pm in Turlock California.