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E-mail StoryFuego scores in extra time for 1-1 tie with Brigade
| Saturday, May 17 2008 10:35 PM
Last Updated: Monday, May 19 2008 9:02 AM
While the defense has been stellar for the Bakersfield Brigade this season, coach Francisco Gomez has struggled to find the right mix on offense.
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And even though Gomez had to like what he saw of Brigade newcomer Quincy Amarikwa, Bakersfield (0-4-4) was again left wondering what might have been at the final whistle.
Amarikwa scored a breakaway goal in the 34th minute but Pablo Campos recorded the equalizer in extra time as Bakersfield had to settle for a 1-1 tie against the Fresno Fuego in a back-and-forth PDL matchup Saturday at Bakersfield Christian High School.
It was the fourth straight tie for the Brigade to start the season.
"If you lose concentration for just a minute or two like we did at the end of the game then you are going to pay," said Gomez. "I am definitely disappointed because I thought we deserved the win and should have pulled it out."
The late goal on a header by Campos ruined a stellar debut by Amarikwa and another fine performance by Brigade goalkeeper Eric Franco, who had not allowed a goal this season.
Things started off well for the Brigade in the first half.
After a point-blank save by the Franco on a blistering shot by the Fuego's Santiago-Aguilera-Navarro, the keeper lofted a perfect long ball to a streaking Amarikwa, who got behind the Fresno defense.
Amarikwa, a Liberty High graduate making his Bakersfield debut, lofted an easy shot over Fresno goalkeeper Brandon Cave for a Brigade lead.
"We talked with our keeper before the game about doing that exact thing and both the defender and their keeper bit on my move," said Amarikwa.
Fresno outshot the Brigade 12-10, and controlled possession throughout the second half after Bakersfield dictated the pace in the first 45 minutes.