The Chicago Mustangs spoiled the St. Louis Ambush home opener when they handed the home team a 9-7 loss Saturday at the Family Arena. The Mustangs improved to 2-1 and the Ambush start the season 0-1.
The first quarter saw the two teams tied at four each. St. Louis goals came from Chad Vandegriffe, Elvir Kafedzic and two from Lucas Almeida. Chicago got tallies from Wilo Martinez, Taylor Bond and a pair from Alexis Camarena.
Only two goals were scored in the second stanza and both belonged to the Mustangs. Miguel Vaca and Joshio Sandoval scored for Chicago, who enjoyed a 6-4 lead at halftime.
Gordy Gurson scored in the third quarter for St. Louis, but Osvaldo Rojas answered for the visitors to keep Chicago’s lead at two going into the final period.
Gurson scored his second of the night and Jeff DiMaria notched a restart goal for the Ambush but Camarena and Martinez each scored their second goals of the contest to help Chicago hold their two-goal lead until the final buzzer.
Jesus Flores earned the win in goal for Chicago, making 16 saves on 23 save attempts. Marcelo Moreira took the loss for the Ambush, saving eight on 17 attempts. Officials handed out 12 fouls and three penalties to St. Louis, while the Mustangs collected 14 fouls and two penalties.
The next challenge before the Ambush is two in a row against the cross-state and division rival Missouri Comets. The Ambush visit the Comets next Friday, November 20 at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in Independence, then host the Comets on Black Friday, November 27, at 7:05 p.m. at the Family Arena.
