The Legion - BakersfieldBrigade's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Brigades season ends with a pair of losses on the road

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:27:58 PDT

By Brigde Staff Writer -- Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Brigade closed out the 2009 regular season with back-to-back road losses to the BYU Cougars and the Ogden Outlaws.

The Brigade (2-11-3) finished the season in last place in the Premiere Development Leagues Southwest Division.

The first match of the road trip resulted in a 3-0 loss on Friday, July 17 against the BYU Cougars (7-5-3).

The Cougars first goal came at the 42-minute mark when midfielder Curtis Graham slipped past the Bakersfield defenders and crossed the ball to forward Steve Fellows, who finished it off with a header into the net, giving BYU a 1-0 advantage.

The second half began with a Cougars offensive attack that lead to the games second goal at minute 51 when midfielder Richie Bindrup shot a ball into the net from 28 yards out.

Forward Brady Marshall scored the games final goal on a through ball from midfielder Jordan Cushman, slamming it home, capping the scoring at 3-0.

After Friday nights loss the Brigade took a short bus ride north to face off against the Ogden Outlaws the following evening for the first and only time this year.

The struggling Outlaws (4-11-1) who came into the match just one point ahead of the Brigade and only averaging 1.2 goals per game, gunned down the Brigade 6-0.
The Outlaws first goal came just 18 minutes into the match when forward Andy Cornia corralled a loose ball of the toe of a Brigade defender and found the back of the net, giving Ogden a 1-0 lead.

Ogden got their second goal of the match just five minutes later when midfielder Sunghyun Kim tucked one in off his own rebound, before defender Gabe Causse added one more in the final minute of the first half.

Leading 3-0, the Outlaws scored three more in the second half of play when midfielder Mike Hodgen shot a laser into the upper corner of the net from 25-yards out, followed by back-to-back goals from midfielder Joe Hickman at the 73 and 76-minute mark, solidifying a 6-0 win for Ogden.

This years leading scorers for the Brigade were Adan Arteaga (3 G, 6 PTS), Ken Taylor (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS), Kyle Holland (2 G, 4PTS), and Wes Feighner (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS).

Keeper Steve Trojanowski finished the year with a 1.20 GAA, with one clean sheet.

The Brigade will return to action in May 2010.

For more information, including ticket information for the 2010 season contact the Brigade Corporate office at 410 KICK (4625) or by visiting www.bakersfieldbrigade.com.

Brigade travel to Utah to close the 2009 season

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:27:50 PDT

By Brigade Staff Writer, Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Brigade will close out the 2009 regular season with a two-day road trip to Utah to play back-to-back matches against the BYU Cougars on Friday, July 17 and the Ogden Outlaws on Saturday, July 18.

The Brigade (2-9-2) are winless in their last six outings with four losses and two draws, and are currently in last place in the Premiere Development Leagues Southwest Division.

The first match of the road trip will be played on Friday against the BYU Cougars (6-5-3). This will be the first and only meeting between the two clubs this season.

BYU have won three of their last four games and are currently in fourth place, but have were officially eliminated from post-season play in the their loss to The Orange County Blue Star on July 12.

The Cougars leading scorers are Zachary De Francis (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS), Steven Fellows (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS), and Brent Jensen (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS). Keeper Bryan Black (1.14 GAA) who has given up just 12 goals in 945 minutes of play, has posted five clean sheets, and will be expected to start his twelfth game of the season.

After Friday nights match the Brigade will take a short bus ride north to face off against the Ogden Outlaws for the first and only time this year.

The struggling Outlaws (3-10-1) are coming off just their third win pf the year, 2-1 over the Fresno Fuego on July 11. The win moved them into ninth place, one point ahead of the last place Brigade.

Ogden’s leading scorers are Samuel Charles (4 G, 12 A, 10 PTS), Andrew Cornia (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS), and Sung-Hyun Kim (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS). Keeper Jeff Rodgers (2.33 GAA) anchors the Outlaws defense.

Bakersfield who is coming off a 1-1 draw against the So Cal Seahorses on July 11, will have four days of rest before leaving for Utah, and will look for strong performances from leading scorers Adan Arteaga
(3 G, 6 PTS), forward Kyle Holland (2 G, 4 PTS), and Ken Taylor (2 G, 1 A, 5 PTS) as well as solid defensive play from Jamie Scope, and Jason Santos.

Keeper Victor Chinchilla (3.14 GAA) is expected to make the start in goal.

While their spot in tournament play has been eliminated, the Brigade are looking to finish off their season with solid wins against their upcoming opponents.

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

Rattlers edge out Brigade 3-2 in final home game of the season

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:24:45 PDT

By Matthew Martz, Brigade Staff Writer

The Lancaster Rattlers edged out the Brigade 3-2 in Bakersfield’s final home game of the 2009 season on Friday, July 10 at BCHS Stadium.

The match would get off to rough start for the Brigade, as midfielder Matt O’Sullivan went down hard and would leave the match at the 9-minute mark with an injury to his right knee.

The Rattlers (4-7-3) dominated the first half with extended periods of possession and solid defensive play.

Lancaster opened the scoring at the 13-minute mark when Jose Garay took a pass from Mauricio Harrie and found the back of the net, tucking it just inside the far post and behind Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla to give the Rattlers an early 1-0 advantage.

The Rattlers received a prime scoring opportunity just seven minutes later when Brigade defender Cameron Walters miscued a clearing pass that ended up on the toe of Jose Garay who fired a shot off the crossbar.

Then, 14 minutes later, Garay (6 G, 2 A, 14 PTS), got his second of the match when he caught up to a loose ball in the area, beating Chinchilla far post making it 2-0 in favor of the Rattlers

The Brigade would narrow the deficit 2-1 at the 43-minute mark when Ken Taylor (2 G, 1 A, 5PTS) scored on a free kick from 24 yards out beating Lancaster keeper Zach Brunner, far post.

The second half of play began much the same way with Lancaster on the attack when at the 58-minute mark, the Brigade’s Esteban Arias would catch up to an arrant clearing pass and in a foot race with a Lancaster defender got dragged down inside the Rattlers box. Lancaster would clear the ball quickly from their area on and on a swift counter attack, scored the eventual game-winner at the 59-minute mark when Mauricio Harrie (7 G, 3 A, 17 PTS) slipped behind the Brigade back line, and after the first shot was turned aside by Chinchilla, took his own rebound and buried it giving the Rattlers a 3-1 lead.

Head Coach Francisco Gomez would be ejected from the match at the 61-minute mark for having a few words with referee Francisco Orozco.

“That play was a real turning point in the match for us,” said Gomez, “Had we gotten the penalty kick we may have tied it, instead they turned the ball around and were able to go up by two goals.”

The Brigade answered back just three minutes later to again pull within one when Adan Arteaga (3G, 6 PTS) took a serve from Heber Mora (1A, 1 PT) and jammed one home past an outstretched Zach Brunner, 3-2.

Bakersfield continued to attack the Rattlers defense but could not find the equalizer.

Adan Arteaga and Jay Gore also received red cards in the closing minutes of the match.

Keeper Zach Brunner (2.36 GAA,) made four saves on five shots while Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla (3.14 GAA) made five saves on eight shots.

The Brigade (2-9-2) are winless in their last five outings with four consecutive losses.

The Brigade are currently in last place in the PDL Southwest Division, just one point behind the Ogden Outlaws.

Bakersfield will play their remaining three games on the road beginning with a match against the So Cal Seahorses on Saturday, July 11, before heading to Utah to complete the 2009 season with games against the BYU Cougars on July 17 and the Ogden Outlaws on July 18.

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

Fuego too hot for Brigade in 3-0 loss

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:07:43 PDT

By Brigade staff writer-Matthew Martz

After shutting out the Fresno Fuego 2-0 on June 10, the Fuego heated up the pitch scoring three goals in the second half, shutting out the Brigade 3-0 on Friday in front of 1,243 at BCHS Stadium.

The Brigade opened the first half of play with two shots on goal in the first two minutes. From there the match settled into a rhythm that saw both clubs sharing equal periods of possession.

The Fuego (4-4-4) got their first scoring opportunity at the nine-minute mark when Santiago Aguilera just missed giving Fresno and early lead on a shot just wide of the far post.

Again Fresno would get an opportunity to take the lead when Fuego striker Tyler Reinhart flicked a header just over the crossbar at the 26-minute mark, just inside the 6-yard box.

The Brigade received their best scoring chance in the closing minutes of the first half when Jacob Hustedt fed a pass to the speedy Wes Feighner who slipped behind the Fuego back line and punched a shot wide of Fresno keeper Ryan Kenny.

The Fuego would break the deadlock just seconds into the second half when Paul Islas scored on a serve from Orlando Ramirez just inside the Brigade area passed an outstretched Victor Chinchilla, giving Fresno a 1-0 advantage.

Five minutes late Fresno’s Islas threaded a pass to Tyler Reinhart who dribbled up the far touchline into the Brigade area, beating Chinchilla just inside the far post, to increase their lead 2-0.
Reinhart inflicted the final blow, scoring his second of the night on a beautiful sliding shot off an uncontrolled save by Chinchilla at the 57–minute mark.

Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla (3.17 GAA) faced 13 shots making six saves while Fuego keeper Ryan “Rhino” Kenny (1.75 GAA), made two saves on six shots and posted his second clean sheet of the season.

The Brigade (2-8-2) increased their winless streak to four with Friday’s loss to the Fuego, scoring just one goal in their last four matches, and have dropped to ninth place in the Premiere Development League Southwest Division just four points ahead of the last place Ogden Outlaws.

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.

Things heat up as Brigade prepare to host the Fuego

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:04:13 PDT

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.

Bakersfield Brigade 6th Annual Fireworks Show

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:51:13 PDT

Admission to the game vs. the Fresno Fuego with post game freworks show is $9 for adults and childern 12 and under are FREE!!!!

Brigade shut out by Rattlers 3-0

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:50:58 PDT

By Matthew Martz Brigade Staff writer

The Lancaster Rattlers shut out the Bakersfield Brigade 3-0 on Saturday at Mays Field in Lancaster, Calif.

The Rattlers (2-6-2) notched their first win at home in three years beating the Ogden Outlaws on Friday and then extended their wining streak to two, beating the Brigade the following evening to move into sole possession of eighth place in the PDL Southwest Division.

Lancaster opened the scoring at the 25-minute mark when Jose Garay (1G, 1 A, 3 PTS) received a long pass from Christian Hernandez (4 G, 2 A, 10 PTS) beating Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla for his first goal of the season, giving Lancaster a 1-0 advantage.

The Rattlers would strike just three minutes later when Mauricio Harrie (6 G, 2 A, 14 PTS), put one passed Chinchilla just inside the far post.

Starter Miguel Ibarra (3 G, 3 A, 9 PTS) closed out the scoring at the 77-minute mark when he took a pass from Harrie and beat Chinchilla to the far post giving Lancaster a commanding 3-0 lead.

The Brigade (2-7-2) are now winless in their last three with back-to-back losses in their last two outings.

The Rattlers had 14 shots on goal and one caution, while the Brigade posted 11 shots on goal, and picked up three cautions.

Lancaster keeper Zach Brunner (2.45 GAA) made 10 saves and posted his first clean sheet of the year.

Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla (3.20 GAA) would make his fourth start of the season and first since May 16 in a 4-0 loss to Hollywood United, making five saves.

The Brigade are currently in ninth place in the PDL Southwest Division, just four points ahead of the last place Ogden outlaws.

The club returns home to host the Fresno Fuego on Friday, July 3 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.

Brigade fall to Seahorses for second time, 1-0

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:27:32 PDT

By Brigade Staff Writer Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Brigade suffered a disappointing loss to the So Cal Seahorses when the two clubs meet for the second time this season on Saturday at BCHS Stadium.

The Brigade (2-6-2) posted their first loss in their last four outings as the Seahorses spoiled any chance of evening the two game season series at one a piece, the first of which saw the Seahorses (3-2-3) defeat the Brigade 6-2 back on May 9.

The match started with the Seahorses immediately attacking the Brigade defense, playing much of the first half on the Bakersfield end of the pitch, creating extended periods of possession.

So Cal would get their first scoring opportunity just 17 minutes into the contest when Seahorses’ forward Ryan Shaw received a serve just inside the area, but was stopped point blank by an outstretched Steve Trojanowksi.

The match would remain scoreless and the Brigade would have only one shot on goal entering halftime.

The second half would begin much the same as the Seahorses were once again denied the go ahead goal at the 45-minute mark, as the Seahorses overloaded the Brigade box creating another opportunity for Trojamowski to make two incredible saves moving from his right to left to take away two point blank scoring chances.

The Seahorses would finally break the deadlock when Marc Bloom scored into an empty net passed a sliding Trojanowski off a loose ball inside the Brigade area at the 47-minute mark, giving So Cal a 1-0 advantage.

Bakersfield’s best scoring opportunity came at the 88-minute mark when Leo Munoz sent a cross into the So Cal area to forward Wes Feighner who nodded a header just over the far post.

Seahorses’ keeper Dan Benton (1.33 GAA) made it look easy with one save on four Bakersfield shots on goal, posting his first clean sheet of the season.

Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.20 GAA) has been red hot between the posts and made four saves on seven So Cal shots on goal, keeping Bakersfield in the hunt for the equalizer.

The Brigade are currently in eighth place in the PDL Southwest Division, three points back the seventh place BYU Cougars and 13 points out of a playoff spot, with only six games remaining.

The club will make a short one-game road trip taking on the Lancaster Rattlers on June 27 before returning home to host the Fresno Fuego on Friday, July 3 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.

Brigade look to even season series against Seahorses

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:09:20 PDT

By Brigade Staff Writer Matthew martz

After a disappointing loss in their home opener to the So Cal Seahorses, the Bakersfield Brigade will be looking to even the season series, when the two clubs meet again on Saturday at BCHS Stadium.

The Brigade (2-5-2) have not lost in their last three appearances but would see their two game winning streak come to an end, when their last outing ended in a 1-1 draw against the first place Hollywood United Hitmen.

The Seahorses (2-2-3) are coming into this weekends contest with a win at home in last weeks match against the last place Lancaster Rattlers. It was the Seahorses only win since beating the Brigade 6-2 back on May 9.

The Seahorses would take an early lead in the previous match against the Brigade, scoring just three minutes into the contest. With a commanding 4-0 lead, the Brigade’s Adan Arteaga would get Bakersfield on the board in the closing minutes of the first half and Jamie Scope cut the deficit 4-2 at the 48-minute mark.

But it would not be enough as the Seahorse scored two more, extending their lead 6-2, handing the Brigade their first loss of the season.

The Seahorses leading scorers are Ryan Shaw (4 G, 1 A, 9 PTS), and Chris Leiva (2 G, 1 A, 5 PT).

Keeper Dan Benton who has a 1.60 GAA, and has made 22 saves in five starts, allowing eight goals in 450 minutes played, anchors the So Cal defense.

Adan Atreaga (2 G, 4PTS) will return to the Brigade line-up after a one game suspension resulting from an ejection during a match against the Fresno Fuego on June 10. He will be joined by Bakersfield leading scorers Wes Feighner (2 G, 4 PTS), and forward Kyle Holland (2 G, 4 PTS).

Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.25 GAA) has been red hot between the posts and will most likely get the start in goal against So Cal. Trojanowski has made 34 saves in his last four starts, allowing only five goals in 360 minutes, with one clean sheet.

The Brigade are currently tied for seventh place in the PDL Southwest Division, just one point behind the sixth place Seahorses. A win in the upcoming match could move them into a fifth place tie with the BYU Cougars.

The club will make a short one-game road trip taking on the Lancaster Rattlers on June 27 before returning home to host the Fresno Fuego on Friday, July 3 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.

Brigade draw against Hollywood United 1-1

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:33:50 PDT

By Matthew Martz-Brigade Staff Writer

After taking an early lead the Brigade would have to settle for a 1-1 draw against the visiting Hollywood United Hitmen on Saturday at BCHS Stadium.

The Brigade (2-5-2) have not lost a match in three games but would see their two game winning streak come to an end as the first place Hitmen (7-2-2) would score the tying goal late into the second half.

The match began with a fiery pace, as the Brigade would launch an offensive assault on the Hitmen playing most of the contest in he Hollywood’s side of the pitch with extended periods of possession.

Bakersfield would use the momentum to their advantage when midfielder Ken Taylor threaded a long pass up the far touchline to midfielder Wes Feighner who beat his man into the Hollywood box, launching a bullet low and just inside the near post, beating Hollywood keeper Jose Miranda (.800 GAA), for his second goal of the season in as many games at the 12-minute mark, giving the Brigade a 1-0 advantage.

The momentum then seemed to shift in favor of the Hitmen, as the Brigade appeared to drop back into an offside trap, allowing for several quality Hitmen scoring chances.

The first opportunity would come at the 13-minute mark when leading Hollywood scorer Jaime Chavez
(7 G, 1 A, 15 PTS), would break through the Brigade back-line charging in all alone sending it off the crossbar as Bakersfield keeper Steve Trojanowsjki charged Chavez just inside the box.

The second half would start much the same way with Bakersfield pulling back into a defensive posture.

Down by a goal, Hollywood would just miss knotting the game as Rene Corona took a pass from Earl Alexander beating Tojansowki and sending it sailing off the crossbar at the 55-minute mark.

Hollywood United’s Earl Alexander scored the match equalizer, his first of the year, at the 80-minute mark off a ball that was lobbed into the Brigade area bouncing off several players before Alexander banged it in just past a horizontal Trojanowski, low and near post.

The Brigade are currently tied for seventh place in the PDL Southwest Division, just one point behind the sixth So Cal Seahorses and 10 points out of a second place playoff spot, jut passed the midway point of the 2009 season.

Brigade Keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.25 GAA) had another fine start and posted 10 saves in the match.

The team was without head coach Francisco Gomez, as assistant coach Jay More took the helm against the Hitmen.

The Brigade will complete their two-game home stand when they take on the SoCal Seahorses on Saturday, June 20 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.

Brigade prepare to host Hollywood United

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:46:45 PDT

After a slow start that left the club winless in their first six matches, the Bakersfield Brigade (2-5-1) are currently riding a two game winning streak as they prepare to face off against the Hollywood United Hitmen on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at BCHS Stadium.

The Hitmen (7-2-0) are currently in first place atop the Premiere Development League Southwest Division and are heading to Bakersfield coming off their second loss of the season, losing to the Ventura County Fusion 3-2 on June 4 at home

The last time these two clubs met was on May 16, 2009 in a match that resulted in Hollywood shutting out the Brigade 4-0.

The Hitmen are led by forward Jaime Chavez (7 G, 1 A, 15 PTS), defender Nick Kohlschreiber (4 G, 3 A, 11 PTS), and Armondo Ochoa (4 G, 3 A, 11 PTS). The club is currently leading the PDL Southwest Division in goals with 22, and in goals against--allowing only seven in nine games played.

The Brigade are currently in sixth place in the PDL Southwest Division, just two points behind the fifth place Fresno Fuego at the midway point of the 2009 season.

The squad is led by Carlos Aguilar (1 G, 1 A, 3PTS) who was been held without a point since game one of the season, defender Adan Arteaga (2 G, 4 PTS), and forward Kyle Holland (2 G, 4PTS).

Keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.33 GAA) who missed the Brigade’s previous match against the Fresno Fuego, is expected to get the start in Saturday’s contest.

The team will be without head coach Francisco Gomez for the upcoming match, as assistant coach Jay More will take the helm against the Hitmen.

The Brigade will complete their two-game home stand when they take on the SoCal Seahorses on Saturday, June 20 at BCHS. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Brigade extend winning streak with 2-0 win against Fresno

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:31:29 PDT

Article Submitted by: Matthew Martz Brigade Staff Writer

The Bakersfield Brigade (2-5-1) extended the clubs win streak to two, shutting out the Fresno Fuego 2-0, on Wednesday at Chukchansi Park in Fresno.

The Fuego (2-3-2), who had been winless since May 9 when they shut out the Los Angels Legends at home, were coming off a win in their previous match against the Orange County Blue Star and had not lost a game at home until falling to the Brigade on Wednesday night.

The Brigade traveled to Fresno with plenty of momentum entering into the midweek contest after notching their first win of the season against the Blue Star, 3-0 on Saturday night.

As with any other Bakersfield vs. Fresno rivalry this game was no exception, as the clubs combined for 17 fouls in the first half alone.

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

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.

Brigade keeper Michael Jordan would get his first win in as many starts this season making six quality saves and earning a clean sheet and an assist on the goal by Arteaga. Keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.33 GAA) who missed Wednesday’s game due to school commitments, is expected to get the start on Saturday’s match again the visiting Hollywood United Hitmen.

The Fuego out shot the Brigade 6-3 and both clubs combined for a total of 23 fouls, 18 for Bakersfield alone, resulting in four cautions and one ejection.

The win moves the Brigade into sixth place in the PDL Southwest Division two points behind the fifth place Fresno Fuego in the standings.

The Brigade will return to action at home against the first place Hollywood United Hitmen on June 13. Kick off will be at 7:30 p.m.

Head Coach Francisco Gomes was not available for comment.

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

Brigade out shine Blue Star 3-0

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:28:24 PDT

By Matthew Martz -Brigade Staff Writer

The Bakersfield Brigade (1-5-1) shut out the Orange County Blue Star 3-0 in the clubs first win of the season Saturday at BCHS Stadium.

The Brigade were determined to break their six-game winless skid coming into Saturday’s match taking advantage of a very cold OC Blue Star (4-3-2) team that had lost two of their last three matches.

Bakersfield started the match with an aggressive offensive attack playing a majority of the first 45 minutes on the Blue Star half of the pitch creating several good scoring chances. The first of which was when midfielder Jacob Hustedt, who just returned to the lineup, (1G, 2 PTS) shot a rocket from just atop the Blue Star area that sailed just inches above the crossbar at the 8-minute mark.

The Brigade’s offensive tempo would eventually create a breakdown in the Blue Star back line allowing Hustedt a second opportunity, this time slipping behind Orange County’s defense leaving him alone with keeper Joe Scachetti (3.00 GAA) who charged off his goal line tripping Hustedt, drawing the match’s first caution and awarding the Brigade with a penalty kick.

Hustedt scored on the penalty kick at the 16-minute mark, beating Scachetti low and inside the near post giving Bakersfield a 1-0 lead. Their first lead in six matches.

“Jake is a very talented player that can create and finish goals for us at any time, something we were lacking in the past games,” stated Brigade head coach Francisco Gomez, “ He will be a key factor on offense for the remainder of the season.”

The Brigade would get another quality scoring opportunity at the 26-minute mark as Jaime Scope’s header would just miss giving Bakersfield a 2-0 lead off a redirected corner kick, one of five that Bakersfield would receive.

The second half of play would begin much the same way as the Brigade offense made good touches and had extended periods of possession, giving up few chances for the Blue Star offense to strike with any real accuracy.

During the 55-minute mark Ken Taylor would thread a pass to Kyle Holland whose shot just missed off the fingertips of an outstretched Scachetti.

Two minutes later at the 57-minute mark, midfielder Wes Feighner (1 G, 2 PTS) scored his first goal of the season, streaking down the near touchline on a deflected pass and finding the back of the net to extend Bakersfield’ lead to 2-0.

Forward Kyle Holland (2 G, 4 PTS) capped the scoring with an unassisted goal at the 87-minute mark, his second of the year, 3-0.

Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski (1.33 GAA) would have another good outing, posting his first clean sheet of the season and making six saves in the match including a series of saves at the 71-minute mark, as the Blue Star would have three corners in succession.

“Steve is playing well and is our #1 right now,” said Gomez, “Unfortunately he will not be available for the upcoming Fresno game do to school commitments, so we will decide on Chinchilla or Jordan for Wednesday’s game.”

The Brigade out shot the Blue Star 15-7 and both clubs combined for a total of 27 fouls resulting in four cautions and one penalty kick.

The win moves the Brigade out of last place in the PDL Southwest Division two points behind the seventh place So Cal Seahorses in the standings.

“The win against Blue Star gave the boys a big confidence boost,” stated Gomez, “We are looking forward to the game against Fresno.”

Bakersfield will depart on a short road trip playing the Fresno Fuego on June 10 before returning to action at home against the first place Hollywood United Hitmen on June 13. Kick off will be at 7:30 p.m.

Players not available for game against Fresno due to school commitments are Wes Feighner, Steve Trojanoski, Jason Santos, Juan Hernandez, Stephen Cunningham, Rufino Franco, Derrek Horne, and Jose Garcia.

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

Brigade look to close out home stand with a win

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:09:41 PDT

Article Submitted by: Matthew Martz Brigade Staff Writer

The Bakersfield Brigade (0-5-1) will be looking for their first victory of the 2009 season when the Orange County Blue Star (4-1-2) arrive in Bakersfield this Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. at BCHS Stadium.

The Blue Star came away with a 1-0 win when the two clubs met in Irvine earlier this season. It was a physical contest resulting in 28 fouls, three cautions and Blue Star midfielder Jonathan Fahey being ejected from the match in the second half.

“The OC is playing well and this is a huge game for us, we are coming into this game with a must win attitude”, said Brigade head coach Francisco Gomez. “We played them very well away from home and must do the same at home in order to come away with the win”

The Brigade out-shot Orange County 15-9 in their first meeting but could not find the back of the net to tuck it behind Blue Star keeper Kristopher Minton (.666 GAA), who is expected to get the start in goal in this weekends match.

The Brigade will need to keep an eye on Blue Star forward David Ponce who leads the Premiere Development League Southwest Division in points with 11 and is second in the division in goals scored, with five.

The Brigade are coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Ventura County Fusion despite a phenomenal performance in goal by Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski and Kevin Gallaugher’s equalizer at the 86-minute mark, ending the Brigades 386-minute scoring drought.

“We need to continue to stay positive as a team and believe that we will walk away with our first win of the season this weekend,” said Gomez.

The Brigade will be forced to make some changes to their starting lineup as injuries have plagued the club for the past several weeks.

“We have had a run of bad luck this year with injuries and are hoping to be able put our best 11 on the field for the first time this weekend,” said Gomez.

Forward Jonah Long will be will be scratched from this Saturday’s match due to injury. Forward Dan Cumming, midfielder Jacob Hustead, and midfielder Efrain Burgos, are all listed as questionable.

Coach Gomez declined to comment on whether or not Steve Trojanowski would be making his third consecutive start in this week’s upcoming match, or if Victor Chinchilla would get the call between the posts. Chinchilla’s last appearance was on May 16 in a 4-0 loss against the Hollywood United Hitmen.

The Brigade will depart on a short road trip playing the Fresno Fuego on June 10 before returning to action at home against the first place Hollywood United Hitmen on June 13. Kick off will be at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, including ticket information contact the Brigade Corporate office at 410 KICK (5425) or by visiting www.bakersfieldbrigade.com.

Brigade end scoring drought in 2-1 loss to Fusion

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:46:10 PDT

By Matthew Martz-Brigade Staff Writer

The Bakersfield Brigade (0-5-1) ended their 386-minute scoring drought in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Ventura County Fusion at BCHS Stadium in Bakersfield.

Both clubs met for the second and final time this season and were searching for a win to settle some unfinished business that resulted in a 2-2 draw played earlier this season.

The first half was dominated offensively by Ventura County who out shot Bakersfield 8-2 in the half.

Good solid defensive play by Jason Santos and the entire Brigade squad keep the match scoreless keeping the Fusions speedy strikers off the score sheet for nearly an entire 45-minutes.

The stalemate would come to end as the Fusion’s Hagop Chirisan was awarded a penalty kick along with a yellow card at the 36-minute mark, when he was dragged down by a Bakersfield defender after slipping through the back line and into the Brigade area. Chirisian would receive a caution from referee Miguel Chica prior to taking the penalty kick for moving the ball off the spot.

After the fouls were finally sorted out Chirisian (2 G, 2A, 6 PTS) would beat Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski low and to the far post giving Ventura a 1-0 advantage.

The second half of play would begin as a repeat of the first with much of the half being played on Bakersfield’s half of the pitch.
Bakersfield would get their first quality scoring opportunity at the 53-minute mark when forward Kyle (1G, 2 SH, 2PTS) Holland would sneak past the Ventura County defense chipping a shot over Fusion keeper Eric Franco’s head before being able to turn around grabbing the ball just before it crossed the goal line.

Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski (2.00 GAA) would keep Bakersfield in the hunt for the equalizer making fifteen saves in the match including one for the highlight reel charging 15 yards off the goal line thwarting a one-on-none attempt by former San Jose Earthquakes and Fusion forward Adam Smarte at the 63-minute mark.

The Brigade would finally end their scoreless streak at the 86-minute mark as forward Kevin Gallaugher would take service from Marco Pulido’s cross coming from just outside the area nodding the ball past Fusion keeper Eric Franco (1.75 GAA), scoring his first goal of the season and tying the match.

The celebration would be cut short as the Fusion’s Artur Aghasyan scored the game-winner in stoppage time on a rebound given up by Brigade keeper Steve Trojanowski, chipping it in just shy of the far post, ending the match 2-1.

The Fusions Anton Peterlin was held scoreless with only two shots on goal including a point blank shot that was turned away by Trojanowski.

Both clubs combined for a total of 24 fouls resulting in three cautions and one penalty kick.

The Fusion remain in third place three points out of second in the PDL Southwest Division while Bakersfield remains in last place in the standings.

The Brigade will play the final game of their three game home stand against the Orange County Blue Star on June 6 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.

Fusion’s Anton Peterlin comes to Bakersfield

Thu, 28 May 2009 19:39:14 PDT

By Matthew Martz - Official Brigade Staff Writer

Everton FC bound Anton Peterlin and the Ventura County Fusion will be in town to face off against the Brigade on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. at BCHS Stadium in Bakersfield.

Peterlin, a defensive midfielder, has been offered a contract and is planning on signing with Everton in July when the English Premier League heads to the US to begin their preseason training. In the interim, Peterlin has decided to complete a farewell tour with the Fusion.

Both clubs will be looking for a victory in this Saturday’s rematch as the two clubs played to a 2-2 draw earlier this season in Ventura. The Fusion out shot the Brigade 27-9 but only managed to sneak two by Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla (3.25 GAA) who made eight saves in the match.

The Fusion (2-1-2) are coming off their second win of the season beating the Ogden Outlaws last week at Ogden, 3-1. The team is led by former Chivas USA striker Anthony Hamilton (3 G, 1 A, 7 PTS), Artur Aghasyan (2 G, 4 PTS) and Hagop Chirishian (1 G, 2 A, 4 PTS), and are currently in third place, seven points behind the 5-0 Hollywood Hitmen in the Premiere Development League Southwest Division.

Fusion head coach Graham Smith, who played in 251 matches in the UEFA’s Football League, is in his third season with the team.

Bakersfield (0-4-1) will be looking to get back on track in the scoring column, as the team remains scoreless in their last 270 minutes of play, with opponents having outscored Bakersfield 15-4.

The Brigade are coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to the LA Legends on May 23 giving up the game-winner at the 82-minute mark of the match. The loss would also set a record for the longest regular season winless streak in the clubs five-year history, at five.

“We are very disappointed in our current standing. We as a whole have not done our job to get results,” said Brigade head coach Francisco Gomez, “Players are staying positive with each other and have seen improvements week in and week out.”

“ We will continue to posses the ball and look to create scoring opportunity's from our wingers as we did in our last match, but this time we need to put our scoring opportunity's away. We know that the Fusion are weakest in the back, so we will looking to create more one-on-one situations in the channels and expose them”, stated Gomez.

Brigade keeper and CSUB alumni, Steve Trojanowski who made five quality saves in his first appearance of the season last week, is slated to start this weekends match in goal.

“We will have four new faces to our 18 man roster and three of those are very attacking minded players that will help the team on the attack”, said Gomez, “This weekend will be the first time the team will be at full strength and the team knows that.”

The Brigade will conclude their three game home stand against the Orange County Blue Star on June 6 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.

Brigade’s five game winless streak sets club record

Sun, 24 May 2009 14:25:11 PDT

By Matthew Martz - Official Brigade Staff Writer

The Bakersfield Brigade (0-4-1) were shutout for the third straight time, 2-0 on two late goals, extending the clubs winless streak to five, in Saturday’s match against the Los Angeles Legends at BCHS Stadium in Bakersfield.

The Brigade have never won a match against Los Angeles and the Legends would extend that by also helping Bakersfield set a record for the longest regular season winless streak in the clubs five-year history, at five.

The Brigade out-shot Los Angeles 13-8 but could not find a way to tuck it behind Legends keeper Chris O’Hearn who made seven saves in the match earning him his first clean sheet of the season.

Bakersfield did have a pair of good scoring opportunities in the first half, the first coming at the 14-minute mark, as midfielder Efrain Burgos would send one in from just inside the area beating O’Hearn only to deflect off the crossbar. A second opportunity would see the tic-tac passing of Jason Santos and Jamie Scope combine for a shot from Scope that would sail over the cross bar off the fingertips of O’Hearn.

The second half of play looked favorable for Bakersfield, as they would again produce several scoring chances playing much of the half on the Legends side of the pitch.

Again Burgos would bounce one off the cross bar on a free kick just 22–yards out at the 50-min mark and Jamie Scope had his second scoring opportunity of the match stolen as he was robbed by O’Hearn on a redirected header resulting from corner kick, one of just eight Bakersfield would receive in the match.

The Legends would finally break the deadlock, taking a 1-0 advantage as Jose Mercado chipped a pass to Maxwell Griffin who slipped behind the Brigade defenders scoring just inside of the far post past a horizontal Steve Trojanowski, at the 82-minute mark.

The Legends would add one more in the final minute going on to win the match 2-0, as Cito Sorianto would find an unmarked Ernesto Mariscal who would find the back of the net.

Brigade keeper and CSUB alumni, Steve Trojanowski made five quality saves in his first appearance of the season.

Both clubs combined for a total of 22 fouls resulting in three cautions.

The Brigade remain scoreless in their last 270 minutes of play with opponents having outscored Bakersfield 15-4.

The win moves Los Angeles into fifth place in the PDL Southwest Division as Bakersfield remains in last place in the standings.

The Brigade will continue their three game home stand against the Ventura County Fusion on May 30 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.

Brigade prepare to host LA Legends

Fri, 22 May 2009 14:53:44 PDT

By Matthew Martz-Brigade Staff Writer

The Bakersfield Brigade (0-3-1) will be looking for their first victory of the season when they host the LA Legends on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at BCHS Stadium in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield has not won a match against Los Angeles in the clubs five-year history. The last time the two clubs met was on May 10, 2008 at Bakersfield in a match that ended in a scoreless draw.

The Legends (1-2-0) are coming off their first win of the season shutting out the BYU Cougars last week at home, 2-0. They are led by Skyler Thuresson (2 G, 4 PTS), and Manual Bautista (1 G, 1 A, 3PTS) and are currently sitting in seventh place, just two points above the last place Brigade in the Premiere Development League Southwest Division.

Legends head coach Phil Wolf enters his first season at the helm of the LA Legends. Wolf has played five seasons of professional soccer and led the Azusa Pacific Men’s Team to its first-ever National Championship, in 2007.

The Brigade remain scoreless in their last 180 minutes of play with opponents having outscored Bakersfield 13-4 and out shot them 64-39. Leading scorer Carlos Aguilar (1 G, 1 A, 3PTS) has not scored a goal in the last 107 minutes of play. Adan Arteaga (1 G, 1A, 2PTS), Kyle Holland (1 G, 2PTS), and Jamie Scope (1 G, 2 PTS) have also been held without a point in their last two matches.

The squad should be well rested for Saturday’s contest since having had a six-day break since their last match on May 16 when the Hollywood United Hitmen, 4-0, shut them out.

The Brigade continue their three game home stand against the Ventura County Fusion on May 30 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.

Brigade bumped off by Hitmen 4-0

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:35:07 PDT

The Bakersfield Brigade (0-3-1) were shutout for the second straight match by the Hollywood United Hitmen, 4-0, extending their losing streak to three Saturday at Stadium by the Sea in Santa Monica.

The Hitmen (3-0-0) out-shot the Brigade 13-3 but could not find a way to tuck it behind Brigade keeper Victor Chinchilla (3.250 GAA) for the entire first half of the match. Chinchilla had six saves in the contest while Hollywood keeper Jose Miranda kept his second clean sheet in as many games, extending Hollywood’s shutout run to three games.

Hollywood United’s Jaime Chavez would finally break the deadlock scoring straight from the second half kickoff as he slotted it past Brigade keeper Chinchilla from the near post to give Hollywood a 1-0 lead.

The Hitmen would increase the margin five minutes later as Carlos Morales would send a cross into the Bakersfield area to an unmarked Israel Sesay at the far post who drove it in making it a 2-0 advantage.

Sesay, who is currently on-loan to the Hitmen from the MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy, would score his second goal of the match just 10 minutes later on deep corner powering in a header making it 3-0 to Hollywood.

Hollywood capped off the scoring at the 69-minute mark with an unassisted goal from Jaime Chavez who managed to bust through the Brigade back-line uncontested nodding the ball past Brigade keeper Chinchilla for his third goal in as many games.

Both clubs combined for a total of 20 fouls resulting in four cautions.

The Brigades best opportunity came in the first half when striker Kyle Holland would find a gap in the Hitmen’s defensive line leaving him alone with Hollywood keeper Jose Miranda who dashed 25 yards
off his goal line blocking Holland’s scoring attempt.

The win moves the Hitmen to the top of the PDL Southwest Division standings and drops the Brigade to last place.

The Brigade will have six days off before returning to action at home against the Los Angeles Legends May 23 at the BCHS Stadium. 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.

Brigade looking for first win of season against Hitmen

Thu, 14 May 2009 20:13:58 PDT

By Matthew Martz -Offical Brigade Staff Writer

Bakersfield Brigade (0-2-1) are still looking for their first win of the 2009 season as they face of against the Hollywood United Hitmen on May 16 at 7p.m. at Stadium by the Sea in Santa Monica.

The Hollywood United Hitmen, the replacement for the now defunct San Fernando Valley Quakes who won the Southwest Division title in 2008, were purchased in the off-season by a partnership of Hollywood United football club and W-League champion, Pali Blues. The internationally known amateur team often fields celebrity players like actors Anthony LaPaglia and Gilles Marini alongside former professionals like Vinnie Jones and Frank Lebouef. The Hitmen’s roster doesn’t have any of Hollywood United’s big names, but does have nine players from United’s rival, the L.A. Blues

The Hitmen (2-0-0) are currently in first place atop the Premiere Development League Southwest Division and are coming off their second win of the season shutting out the Ventura County Fusion last week at Ventura. They are led by Armondo Ochoa (2 G, 4 PTS), Ricardo Mendoza-Romero (1 G, 1 A, 3PTS).

The last time these two clubs met was on July 19, 2008 in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw as Brigade MF Leonardo Munoz scored the equalizer with an unassisted goal at the 83-minute mark. The teams also played to a 1-1 draw in a previous match in 2008.

The Brigade are currently in eighth place, with losses in their last two appearances. Opponents have outscored Bakersfield 9-5 and out shot them 51-24 this season.

The squad should be well rested for Saturday’s contest since having had a five-day break since their last match on May 10.
The Brigade are led by Carlos Aguilar (1 G, 1 A, 3PTS) who was held without a point in his last outing, Adan Arteaga (1 G, 1A, 2PTS), Kyle Holland (1 G, 2PTS) who has been held scoreless in his last two appearances, and Jamie Scope (1 G, 2 PTS) who had a goal called back in a match against the So Cal Seahorses.

The Brigade will return 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.