Match Recap: Denton Diablos win big vs Midland-Odessa Sockers

When the season schedules are released each spring, there’s alway two road games circled that we know will be a true test of our squad, Laredo, and Midland.

Our first road game in franchise history was to Laredo, where we were able to secure a truly historic road win knocking off Laredo at home in conference for the first time in NPSL history.

To say that we had high hopes for our trip to Midland would be an understatement. After climbing the table to a 5-2 record, the Diablos set their GPS for Grande Stadium and the 5 hour trip to Midland. The long drive over must have been put to good use, because on a hot clear night in Midland, your Diablos wasted no time in getting things going, creating pressure from the opening kickoff before Sam Garza was awarded the early goal, in the 5th minute, in what appeared to be a missed clearance by the Midland defense and an own goal.

In what is always a critical 5 minutes after any goal, the Diablos were able to deflect the Midland pressure, before mounting a quick counter attack that ultimately ended up springing Jalen James in behind the defense where he was able to capitalize, sliding his shot by the keeper into the far post side netting in the 7th minute for the 2-0 advantage. After settling in, the rest of the first half was uneventful, sending the teams into the break with the Diablos sitting on a 2-0 lead.

Following their first half plan, the Diablos again came out with intense defensive and attacking pressure to start the second half, and 8 minutes into the 2nd half, in the 53′ minute, Wyatt Priest finished the PK after a dangerous tackle on Nick Hernandez in the box earned the penalty.

In control of the game, on both the scoreboard and in possession, the Diablos finished off the scoring with Mark Salas finishing off a Brandon Cerda pass far post for the 4-0 lead.

The Midland Sockers came into the match ranked #4 in the NPSL Power Rankings, and had not lost at home this season.

The Diablos next home game is Saturday June 15th at 7:00 PM as we host last years conference champion, the Laredo Heat.

Tickets are available now at dentondiablos.com/tickets

With 4 games left in the 2019 NPSL regular season, the race to finish in the top 4 and clinch a playoff birth is starting to heat up! We could use your support in helping drive the boys to glory in our final 4 games! Get tickets now to be there for all the action!

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