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By Brigade Staff Writer Matthew Martz

After shutting out the Fresno Fuego 2-0 on June 10, the Bakersfield Brigade will be looking to sweep the season series when the two clubs meet again for the final time on Friday at BCHS Stadium.

The Brigade (2-7-2) are winless in their last three appearances and coming off a disappointing loss to the struggling Lancaster Rattlers in their last outing.

The Fuego (3-4-4), are coming into this weekends contest with back-to-back draws against the Orange County Blue Star and Ventura Fusion. Fresno’s last win was on June 19, when the beat the Lancaster Rattlers 2-1.

In the previous match against the Fresno, the Brigade would take an early lead when midfielder Kenneth Taylor (1G, 2 PTS) found the back of the net beating Fuego keeper Ryan “Rhino” Kenny (1.39 GAA), at the six-minute mark, giving the Brigade an 1-0 lead.

The two clubs would find themselves in a defensive battle for most of the second half of play, until defender Adan Arteaga (2 G, 4 PTS) administered the final blow, capping the scoring with a goal at the 88-minute mark, his second of the year, 2-0.

Things would heat up as the game wore on.

Artega received a yellow card at the 26-minute mark of the first half and was then ejected from the match at the 89-minute mark.
Atreaga (2 G, 4PTS) will be looking for reprisal against the Fuego in the upcoming match and will be joined by Bakersfield leading scorers Wes Feighner (2 G, 4 PTS), and forward Kyle Holland (2 G, 4 PTS).

Keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.20 GAA) who did not make the trip or the start in last Saturday’s match against Lancaster has been flawless in goal and will be expected to get the call between the posts in Friday’s contest.

As with any other Bakersfield vs. Fresno rivalry, the upcoming match is sure to produce some fireworks, including the ones that will be displayed immediately following the game in celebration of Independence Day.

The Brigade will play their final home game of the 2009 season against the Lancaster Rattlers on July 10. Kick off will be at 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.