Fresno Fuego Press Release - www.fresnofuego.com
Friday, May 16
Fresno, Calif. – Coming off of a 2-1 win at Southern California, the Fresno Fuego look for another strong effort on Saturday when they head to Bakersfield for match-up against the Brigade. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bakersfield Christian High School. Last season, the two teams split their meetings with the Brigade winning 3-0 in Bakersfield, and the Fuego prevailing 4-1 in Fresno.
"This is a big revenge game for us," Fuego Head Coach Scott Alcorn said. "Last year they beat us 3-0 down there, and we owe them some payback, and hopefully it happens this weekend. If we can win down there, that puts us in good position with wins in our first two road games.
"We played the hardest 20 minutes at any point in the last two seasons in the final moments at Southern California last weekend, and that built a lot of character," Alcorn continued. "We played a man down for nearly 40 minutes, and that built more team character than any practice or simulation ever will."
The Brigade enter Saturday’s match with a 0-0-3 record, but possess a lot of firepower, which could make for a high-scoring affair.
"They have a roster which features four former MLS players, including former U.S. National Team player and current ESPN soccer analyst Eric Wynalda, so we know that at any time, they have the ability to score in bunches," Alcorn said.
The Fuego are led by Amaury Nunes, who was named to the PDL Team of the Week after scoring both of Fresno’s goals at Southern California. Nunes has three goals through the team’s first two games. Pablo Campos will be back in action for the Fuego on Saturday after missing the Southern California game, and three new players from UNLV will make their Fuego debut as well.
"Our roster is getting healthier every week," Alcorn said. "We still be without one of our top defenders in Gaston Cignetti, as well as our goalkeeper Ryan Kenny, so defensively that is something that we will have to overcome. For an early season game, this one is critical for us in the chase for the division championship."
Alcorn will miss Saturday’s game as he will be attending the Pac-10 Track and Field Championships in Arizona to watch his son, Kyle, compete for Arizona State University. Assistant Coach Tom Gleason will take Alcorn’s place on the bench on Saturday.
The Fuego will practice this evening from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Tice Park, located across from Clovis West High School. Members of the media are welcome to attend the practice.
The Fuego return to Chukchansi Park on Friday, May 23 to host 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, with proceeds benefiting the Disabled American Veterans.
Fresno is also home on Sunday, May 25 for a 4:00 p.m. match against the Orange County Blue Star, presented by Vida en el Valle. 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.
