STORM BOW TO LOWLY COUGARS

The California Cougars came in to the game Saturday night with a 0-11 record. The Chicago Storm had not won a road game yet this season and were facing a desperate California team in Stockton. Something had to give. For the Storm, it was a game that saw a three goal comeback in the fourth quarter, only to lose in overtime off of a shot by Bill Sedgewick for a 5-4 loss.

In the first period the Storm looked sluggish early on, allowing a goal in the second minute of play. On a set play former Storm defender John Ball passed the ball to Craig Scheer who one-timed the shot past Chicago’s Danny Waltman. The period continued with end-to-end action but the Storm defense settled down and the period ended with the Cougars up 1-0.

California’s Ball scored his first goal as a Cougar on a break away in the second period giving California a 2-0 lead. The Storm rallied back when MISL Offensive Player of the Week Gus Kartes blasted a shot off the boards that rebounded to Chicago Captain Novica “Novi” Marojevich who put in the Storm’s first goal. Unfortunately for Chicago, California countered in 11 seconds when Aaron Susi scored giving California a 3-1 lead at the end of the first half.

In the third period the Cougars added another goal when Gary Brooks scored, giving California a 4-1 advantage. The Storm had numerous chances in the third quarter but Chicago was unable to notch a goal in the period. To California’s credit, the Cougars played inspired defense throughout the quarter.

The Storm mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. Chicago forward Mark Ughy shot on goal and the rebound came straight to Matthew Stewart who put the Storm within two. The Storm cut the deficit to one goal when Brazilian defender Fabinho took a rebound shot in to the net. The Storm tied the goal when former Cougar Anthony Maher trapped a long pass with his chest and dropped a quick pass to the on coming Mark Ughy who knocked in an off balanced shot for the goal, evening the game at four a piece.

The overtime period was fast and furious with the Storm having the majority of the chances on the offensive end; unfortunately it was the defense with a small breakdown that finished the game. Aaron Susi dropped a pass to a streaking Billy Sedgewiick who was uncovered that blasted the ball in for the sudden death, game winning goal. The Cougars finished a hard fought game with the 5-4 victory.

News and Notes: Billy Sedgewick scored the first game winning goal in Cougars history. With his assist, Anthony Maher has scored a point in every game that he has played for the Storm. This game was the first overtime game for the Storm this season. This game will be rebroadcast on Comcastsportsnet in Chicago, Monday January 9th.

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