*** Fuego's Double-header weekend is bitter sweet--

Friday nights game against the Southern California Seahorses turned physical and ended 3-2 in double OT in favor of the Fuego.  Fabricio Codeceira's penalty kick lifted the Fuego for their fifth consecutive win.  The Fuego improved to 5-0 in it's second OT win of the season.

The match was the first of four U.S. Open Cup qualifiers.  Orlando Ramirez opened up the scoring after receiving a cross from Jose "Tin" Espindola.  This was the first of three goals of the night.  Raul Rivera added the second with powerful right kick to the "upper V".  The Seahorses tied the game and sent it to OT with one minute left in regulation.

Codeceira was able to lift the Fuego by slicing through So. Cals' tough defense and drawing a penalty to grant the PK for the victory.

 

On Sunday, the Fuego had an even tougher opponent.  The rivalry between the O.C. Bluestar and the Fuego is becoming quite the game to watch. 

The Fuego controlled the tempo, out-shot it's rival, created more plays but the frustration of the "Blue Star" good goal-tending kept the Fuego from maintaining its undefeated status.

The lone goal came off a pass from Edgardo Contreras to "Tin" Espindola which tied the game.  However, the Blue Star scored the game winner in another counter-attack to make it 2-1 in the final minutes of the game. 

This was the second U.S. Open Cup qualifier.  The Fuego must now win it's next two games to advance to the 1st Round of the Cup.

GO FUEGO!!!   

*** The Fuego win in Golden goal by Adam Arteaga--

The Fuego once again come out victorious against a PSL team.  The team's record is now 4-0.  In the final minute of double over-time, Fabricio Codeceira crossed a ball to Adam Arteaga.  Adam then lifted his spirit higher than any on the field and found the back of the net with a game winning header.  "This was the game silencer", said Adam.  "We sought a win and a win is what we got."

The first goal came off an assist from Tin Espindola to Fabricio Codeceira.  Ten minutes later, the Gauchos scored to make it even.  Both teams played to finish in a 1-1 tie.  By the first over-time the Gauchos had two players red carted and the Fuego one.

The following game on Sunday May 9th vs. Orange County Blue Star was cancelled due to an internal complication with the Blue Star.  The supposed first US Open Cup match was postponed until further notice.               Official match report - Click Here

*** The Fresno Fuego go on the road this weekend for their first two Open Cup matches.  They will be facing the San Diego Gauchos on Saturday May 8^th and Orange County Blue Stars on Sunday May 9^th.

*** Congratulations to the Fuego on their 5-1 victory over the California Gold of Modesto.  Goals scored by Gaston Cignetti (2), Edgardo Contreras (2), and Jose Luis Espindola.

*** The Fresno Fuego go on the road this weekend for their first two Open Cup matches.  They will be facing the San Diego Gauchos on Saturday May 8^th and Orange County Blue Stars on Sunday May 9^th.

*** Congratulations to the Fuego on their 5-1 victory over the California Gold of Modesto.  Goals scored by Gaston Cignetti (2), Edgardo Contreras (2), and Jose Luis Espindola.

*** A goal by forward Jose "Tin" Espindola in the first half, gives the Fuego a 1-0 victory against the Utah Blilzz. The goal was scored on the 32nd minute of the first half on a assist by Eli Delgado. Official Match Report - Click Here

*** Come watch the Fresno Fuego (PDL Team) take on the Utah Blitzz (Pro-Select team) Saturday April 24, 2004  at Tice Park, Clovis West HS @ 7:00 p.m.   Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets $6.00 General Admission, $4.00 for Students, Children under 12, and Senior Citizens.