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FRESNO, CALIF. – The Fresno Fuego open a two-game road trip on Saturday in search of their first win of the 2008 season. The Fuego head to La Mirada High School in La Mirada, California to take on the Southern California Seahorses on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Fresno enters the match-up 0-1 on the season after dropping a 3-2 decision to the San Francisco Seals in the home opener on April 26. “We have worked hard in practice in the last two weeks on finishing games,” Fuego head coach Scott Alcorn said. “In our practices, we’ve worked on defending, and if we defend well and compete, we will be in the game. Southern California always has a good team, as they are basically Azusa Pacific’s college team. I am suspecting this will be tough game for us, especially playing on an unfamiliar field turf surface.” Another challenge for the Fuego will be an inexperienced roster heading into Saturday’s game. “Of the 11 players, six have never played for the Fresno Fuego before,” Alcorn said. “With injuries and players moving up the ranks, we have a limited player pool, and that is our biggest challenge.” The Fuego will also be without defending PDL Most Valuable Player Pablo Campos for Saturday’s game against the Seahorses due to a family commitment. “We will miss Pablo for Saturday’s game, and that is another obstacle we have to face. But, at least for now, it looks like we will have him for the rest of the season,” Alcorn said. “Pablo received an MLS offer which was under what he wanted. I’ve told him to make a counter-offer and see what happens from there.” Following Saturday’s game at Southern California, the Fuego remain on the road for a match at Bakersfield on Saturday, May 17, before returning home to host the San Jose Frogs on Friday, May 23. “Our goal is to get at least four points in these next two road games,” Alcorn said. “We have good players, and we expect to win. If we can get at least four points in these next two games, we will be in a good position for the rest of the season.” The Fuego return to Chukchansi Park on Friday, May 23, hosting the San Jose Frogs at 7:00 p.m. for a Veteran’s Game presented by the U.S. Army. The first 2,000 fans in attendance receive a Fuego Rally Towel, and following the game there will be a spectacular fireworks show. In addition, the Fuego will wear special red, white, and blue jerseys during the game, with a live auction to follow. Fresno is also home on Sunday, May 25 for a 4:00 p.m. match against the Orange County Blue Star. Sunday’s game is Faith Night, with pre-game and halftime performances by local Christian bands.\
Tickets for all Fuego home games can be purchased at the Chukchansi Park Box Office, or by calling (559) 320-TIXS. For more information on the Fuego, visit the team’s new website at www.fresnofuego.com.