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By Matthew Martz -Offical Brigade Staff Writer

The So. Cal Seahorses were not shy about handing the Brigade their first loss of the season in their home opener on Saturday at BCHS Stadium in Bakersfield.

The Seahorses (1-1) took an early lead scoring just three minutes into the first half on a long outlet pass to Ryan Shaw who slipped behind the defense and tucked it inside the far post – his first of two in the match. Just under five minutes later the Seahorses would extend their lead as Chris Leiva broke into the attacking end and beat Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla for a 2-0 advantage.

Mid-way through the half the Brigade appeared to have cut the deficit to one but referee Modesto Guillen would reverse the call on an apparent foul prior to the goal being scored.

The Seahorses would add two more to take a commanding 4-0 lead before the Brigade’s Adam Artega would loft a free kick just inside the far post over Seahorses keeper Daniel Benton’s out-stretched arms getting the Brigade on the board.

The second half looked promising as the Brigade’s Jamie Scope – whose goal was nullified earlier in the match scored at the 48-minute-mark on a cross that was redirected off a defending Seahorse player and ended up behind the keeper, narrowing the margin; 4-2.

The Seahorses would add two more including a last minute goal as Matthew Hoarth went streaking down the touchline beating the Brigade defense to score the final goal of the match; 6-2.

The Brigade’s (0-1-1) offense was supplied by Adam Artega (1 G, 1 S, 1 F) and Jamie Scope (1 G, 1 S).

The Brigade’s top scorer Carlos Aguilar (1G, 1A, and 3PTS) did not appear in Saturday's match and Kyle Holland was held to just one shot.

The Brigade will begin a two game road trip starting today against the OC Blue Star and then against the first place Hollywood United Hitmen on May 16 before heading home to take on the LA Legends on May 23 at BCHS. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

For more information, including ticket information contact the Brigade Corporate office at 410 KICK (4625) or by visiting www.bakersfieldbrigade.com.