Heading into Sunday night’s game, Orlando was primed and ready to secure their winning record against California this season. Likewise, former Cougar Matt Caution flew into town with one purpose: to defeat his former team. It was the Cougars who wound up biting first via a power play goal by defenseman Antonio Sutton, assisted by forward Enrique Tovar just over a minute into the game. The two teams battled for possession the remainder of the quarter until California midfielder Franck M’Embra kicked a two point goal, assisted by fellow midfielder Majell Aterado with under a minute left. With just six seconds remaining, defenseman Antonio Sutton struck again, this time assisted by forward Bernie Lilavois. The first quarter ended with a score of California 6, Orlando 0.
The second quarter was all California as well. Cougars midfielder Semir Mesanovic was able to shoot his own rebound past Paul Nagy with just over four minutes remaining for a two point goal, followed shortly after by midfielder Franck M’Embra as he scored his second goal of the night. By halftime, Orlando found themselves down 10-0 to California.
The Sharks started off the second half successfully outscoring the Cougars, earning their first two points on a goal by midfielder Damien Pottinger, assisted by defender Anthony Santiago five minutes into the third quarter. Then, with just under a minute left in the quarter, forward Jorge Valle added two points with the help of an assist by forward Chris Cerroni. This enabled the Sharks to inch back within a half dozen points of the Cougars, ending the third quarter down 10-4.
California opened up the fourth quarter with force on a three point shot by midfielder Majell Aterado, assisted by midfielder Franck M’Embra. Then, with about ten minutes to go in the game, California defenseman Antonio Sutton and Orlando midfielder Miki Djerisilo got into a heated exchange that earned them each a yellow card. Orlando defender Ainsley Romany buckled down and scored two Sharks points seconds later. The Cougars answered with a goal by midfielder Aaron Bonser, assisted by Brian Farber, followed shortly after with another three point shot, this time by forward Enrique Tovar with three minutes left in the fourth quarter. Though Orlando would close out the scoring on a goal by forward Felipe Lawall, assisted by midfielder Miki Djerisilo, they lost the contest to California by a score of 18-8.
The Sharks split the season series with the Cougars down the middle, 2-2. On a night when Orlando had hoped rack up the points on a team they’ve have success against all season, they wound up racking up penalties, earning five blue cards and a yellow. They end the season at home against the Chicago Storm on Saturday, April 5 at 7:35 pm.
