By Adrian Luevano, 06/11/17, 8:30AM PDT
FRESNO, Calif. – After taking an early lead in the 4th minute the Fresno Fuego could not hold on, losing 2-1 to the Southern California Surf, Saturday night at Chukchansi Park.
Fresno got on the scoreboard first, with Diego Casillas finding striker Joey Chica in space. Chica struck the ball with his left foot towards net, getting help from the post to put the hosts up 1-0.
The Surf found the equalizer before halftime when Adam Vargas chipped Fuego goalkeeper Agustin Rey.
Vargas added his name on the scoresheet once again in the 52nd minute. The Surf midfielder stepped up to the penalty spot and put the ball past Rey’s right side.
Fresno had numerous opportunities to even the game, but Southern California’s backline held strong, and weathered the pressure.
With the loss, the Fuego drop to fourth place in the Southwest Division, with a game in hand.
Fresno Fuego head coach Brian Zwaschka was satisfied with the opportunities the team created, but knew his team let up after the 1-0 lead.
“We took our foot off of the gas after our first goal,” Zwaschka said. “Obviously, made a silly mistake on their first goal. In the second half, I’m not sure what happened, but they were awarded a penalty. We had enough time to get on the board again, and I felt we created enough chances, but we’ll have to recreate some scenarios in training this week.”
Fresno will host the Ventura County Fusion on Thursday, June 15, at Chukchansi Park with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
The Fuego defeated the Fusion 4-2 in their first meeting on May 26 in Fresno.
The first 1,000 fans will receive “For City And Club” bands, courtesy of Little Caesars.