Links to other sites on the Web
CHULA VISTA -- If the test of title-worthiness is beating the defending champion, the Flash passed admirably last night.
The Flash got second-half goals from Brad Smith and Christian Escalera as it knocked off the Milwaukee Rampage 2-0 before 5,266 at Southwestern College's Devore Stadium.
Although the Pacific Division-leading Flash (17-6) entered the game with the most points in the Western Conference, Milwaukee (13-10), also in the West, is the A-League's defending champion. When the playoffs begin next month, the Flash's goal is to take that crown away.
Last night's victory, which came in front of the biggest crowd of the season for the Flash, served as a confidence-builder to that end.
"Hopefully, this sends a message to the league that we'll be there at the end," said Smith, who added the game had playoff intensity. "In reality, we're pretty confident. (But) this was a good test for us.
"They're the champions. They had nothing to prove. We did."
Milwaukee defender Mike Huwiler said that's just how life goes when you're the defending champion.
"Everyone has been like that all season. Everyone wants to beat the champion," said Huwiler. "We're proud to hold that position but know other teams want it.
"(The Flash) proved tonight they want it. They're a good team. But the playoffs are much different. It's a whole new season."
The Flash, a victory away from clinching the Pacific Division title, appears to understand that.
"Obviously, in Milwaukee, this would be a bit tougher," Smith said. "In the playoffs, you have to a steal a victory on the road to keep advancing."
Milwaukee set the tempo in a scoreless first half. In fact, the best scoring chance for the Flash came when Huwiler almost kicked the ball into the Rampage's goal. The goalpost made a great save.
Smith scored in the 52nd minute after a wild flurry in front of the Rampage net. The Flash then turned to defense to hold off Milwaukee. Escalera added his goal in the 81st minute when he kicked in a rebound of a shot by Carlos Farias.
Flash goalkeeper Joe Cannon made six saves to get the win.
The Flash is idle until next Friday, when it faces the California Jaguars in Salinas in the first of three straight road games.
Links to other sites on the Web
Back to schedule and Results
Home
Get your own Free Home Page