Sidekicks blasted by Toros, 8-2 - Dallas dealt worst loss of the season

The Dallas Morning News - Monday, August 28, 1995

MEXICO CITY - The Dallas Sidekicks suffered their worst defeat this season Sunday at the hands of the Mexico Toros - one of two teams to join the CISL this year - with an 8-2 loss at Mexico City's Sports Palace.

The Toros (11-8) put heavy defensive pressure on Dallas scoring star Tatu, who was able to score just once - at 14:45 in the first quarter.

With Tatu effectively neutralized, Dave Reichart briefly stepped in to generate some offensive momentum for the Sidekicks (11-8), using his speed to go past Mexican defenders to score at 5:27 of the second quarter.

That tied the score, 2-2, where it remained at the end of a first half in which neither team appeared to dominate the other. Although Mexico scored the first two goals of the game at 4:41 and 14:30 in the first period, Dallas quickly responded and seemed to have the momentum at halftime.

But the Sidekicks unraveled in the third quarter, just as the Toros turned up the offensive heat with a goal by Moises Garduno at 2:41.

Things only got worse for the Sidekicks from there. Two minutes later, at 4:06 in the third, Juan Carlos Reza blasted a goal in from the left side of the field after a sharp pass by Mariano Bollela.

The Toros dominated the third period, denying Dallas any quality scoring opportunities through a swarming defense. Mexico was able to consistently set up its offense and move the ball around until its own scoring opportunities arose.

Garduno capitalized on just such a moment at 6:53 in the third, firing a strong kick from the left side that went over the head of Dallas goalie Hank Henry.

The Toros added a fourth goal in the third and also dominated the fourth quarter, maintaining its swarming defense while encountering a more aggressive Dallas squad.

Although the Sidekicks hustled in hopes of finding the net, the Toros remained solid and poured in two more goals on steals before the period was over.

Laurence Iliff is a free-lance writer based in Mexico City.