Tolleson, Az. – April 7, 2012 – The newest member of the National Premier Soccer League, Phoenix Monsoon semi pro men’s soccer team dropped their home debut on Saturday to Fullerton Rangers by a 3-0 score at Tolleson Union High School.
The game started with both teams struggling to find their soccer battle rhythm. When in the 15th minute of play Fullerton offense line broke through the Phoenix Monsoon defense allowing enough space for Rangers forward Eders “Cuba” Roldan to score a goal which sent the Rangers into the half leading 1-0.
Fullerton Rangers dominated the flow of the game and kept its momentum up to par throughout the entire first half. “They had a pretty fast pace offensive attack and sometimes we got caught in that,” said Phoenix Monsoon coach Daniel Ochoa
Phoenix Monsoon defense continued to lag in the second half when at the 70 minutes a goal by forward Julio Madrigal put the Rangers ahead by a 2-0.
Although Phoenix Monsoon had its opportunities in the second half, the Monsoons couldn’t convert them into goals. They finally succumbed after Fullerton Ranger forward Carlos Godinez 90th minute goal ending any hope of a Monsoon comeback. With the final score Fullerton Rangers 3 – Phoenix Monsoon 0. The Monsoon are away this week, taking on Santa Clarita FC, which is just north of L.A. and Burbank.  Next home game is April 21, when the San Diego Flash come to town.

Phoenix Monsoon goal keeper Charles "The Spider' Pratt
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Currently Director of National Premiere Soccer League, Phoenix Monsoon, semi pro soccer club media operations and marketing director. Previously with U.S. Military sports director for American Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq soccer tournaments with Pan Arab and U.S. soccer teams. Served as the communications media director for U.S. overseas military soccer programs of military service members.