Showing a much-improved defensive game, the Orlando Sharks still fell to the Chicago Storm for the third time this season, and extended their winless streak to thirteen. Unlike recent games, the Sharks’ defense held their opponent to only two scores in the first half, and four for the entire game.
The only score in the first quarter was a three-point low cross to the far post by Storm forward Carlos “Chili” Farias. Orlando sent a flurry of shots at goal but all were successfully defended by Chicago goalkeeper Jeff Richey. The quarter ended with the score Chicago 3, Orlando 0.
The first half of the second quarter saw the Storm with good possession but unable to get off any shots. Forward Chris Cerroni got Orlando on the board with his seventh goal of the season. This was quickly answered by Storm forward Awadalla Morad with a two-pointer of his own. At the half the score was Chicago 5, Orlando 2.
The Sharks began the second half with an aggressive offensive attack but the Storm defense stiffened. Minutes later, both offenses ignited. Storm defenseman Chris Brisson scored a two-pointer. A minute later, Sharks midfielder Damien Pottinger answered with a two-pointer for Orlando. Soon after, Chili Farias scored his second goal of the night. When the fireworks ended, the Storm were up by five with the score Chicago 9, Orlando 4.
The highlight of the fourth quarter was the first goal for recently-signed veteran, Sharks 6’ 7” 265 pound forward, Shawn Boney. Down by three with just over three minutes remaining, Sharks head coach Jake Dancy replaced goalkeeper Paul Nagy with defenseman JP Rodrigues in an attempt to increase offensive pressure. Orlando pounded Chicago with shot after shot but to no avail. The game ended with the score Chicago Storm 9, Orlando Sharks 6.
