Fuego extended their unbeaten streak to 7 games after taking on the Ogden Outlaws and BYU Cougars last week.
Thursday, July 15th the Fresno Fuego played the Outlaws of Ogden at Bonneville High School. The Outlaws jumped out to an early lead as Cavel Palmer beat Fuego goalkeeper Beau Diaz in the 10th minute.
After creating several chances in front of the net, second year man Jose “Chiva” Cuevas scored in the 25th minute after receiving a pass from forward Tyler Reinhart.
At the start of the second half, the Outlaws came out with their guns blazing once again scoring a goal early in the 48th minute to take a 2-1 lead over Fuego.
But their lead would not last for long as midfielder Devon Grousis buried a header off of a cross from Cuevas in the 55th minute.
Out shooting the Outlaws 23-11, Fuego found themselves down a goal once again as Christian Meza scored, what looked liked the game winning goal, off of a counter attack in the 90th minute.
Fuego continued their relentless pressure in the Outlaws defensive third. With extra-time winding down, veteran Fabricio Codeceira centered a ball from the left side of the box where Cuevas back heeled the ball into the bottom right corner just passed the outstretched arms of the Ogden goalkeeper.
The game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Friday, July 16th the Fuego traveled to Provo, Utah to face the BYU Cougars. In the first meeting Fuego defeated the Cougars 1-0 off of a late penalty by Fabricio Codeceira at Chukchansi Park. So the Cougars were out for revenge.
On Senior Night for the Cougars and in front of 979 Cougar fans, the game kicked off with a lot of intensity from both sides.
But it was Fuego who got the best of the BYU defense first, scoring in the 18th minute as a Milton Blanco’s cross slipped past BYU defense, finding an open Fabricio Codeceira for the first goal.
Fuego goalkeeper, Gilbert Vega looked to be unbeatable, denying several Cougar’s shots. However, as a quick counter attack developed down the right side line and the Cougar’s Kip Critchlow found BJ Pugmire open for the tying goal in the 74th minute.
With the game wide open at this point and both sides creating scoring chances. Fuego midfielder, Adrian Alvarado was taking down in the penalty box in the 90th minute. Codeceira stepped up to take the shot looking for his second goal of the game. Beating the BYU keeper to his left, the Fuego went on to win 2-1 with a late goal in typical Fuego fashion.
Friday, July 17th was Fuego midfielder, Jose “Chiva” Cuevas’ last game for the Fresno Fuego as he will be traveling to Germany to begin his professional career. On behalf of the entire organization I would like to wish you the best of luck. Good Luck Chiva!!!
The Fresno Fuego return to Chukchansi Park for their final game of the season this Saturday versus the Lancaster Rattlers at 7pm. For ticket information call 320-TIXS.