(courtesy of Ontario Fury) - Photo by Lee Calkins

A Citizens Business Bank Arena record arena soccer crowd of 7,198 saw the United States get four goals from the San Diego Sockers’ Kraig Chiles as the Americans outlasted Mexico in the first-ever Major Arena Soccer League International Showdown game Monday night.

Chiles, the American captain, scored three straight U.S. goals, the second of which broke up three unanswered goals from the Mexican side in the third quarter, drawing Mexico to within one goal at 7-6. Chiles’ third goal of the game, coming with 53 seconds remaining in the third period gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion going into the final 15-minute quarter.

Both teams scored twice in the final period in front of the passionate crowd.

After the game, that was one of the leading topics of discussion by players from both teams – having the chance to play in front of the large crowd at the first-of-its-kind showcase event for the league.

“It was fantastic,” Chiles said. “What the Ontario Fury, and what Bernie did, selling that crowd was fantastic. I think it’s good for the league. I think all the players want to play in front of crowds like that. And I think all in all, I think it was a fantastic night for the MASL, for the Ontario Fury and the U.S. National Team.”

For the Fury’s Robert Tornel, a U.S.-born Riverside resident with dual citizenship, getting the chance to play for Mexico in front a crowd like that in his home building was a great honor.

“It was amazing, for both sides of the teams,” he said. “Just goals, the rebounds, the defensive side, all the yelling they would do, it would just pump you even harder.”

Ontario’s Juan Carlos Gonzalez opened the scoring, volleying a one-timer past U.S. goalkeeper Edgar Martinez of the Turlock Express 9:08 into the game. Eric Guzman (Las Vegas Legends) tied the game with 36 seconds in the first quarter, converting a pass from Matt Clare. Guzman ended the night with two goals and an assist, while Clare had a goal and three assists for the U.S.

Ontario’s Tino Nunez sent the crowd into halftime with his only goal of the night, a bicycle kick he converted off a Mexico turnover. Uziel Roman led the Mexican team with two goals and two assists in the losing cause.

The game, coming as a showcase for the league in front of representatives from teams across the MASL, was a huge success according the Fury president Bernie Lilavois.

“I’ve got to give the credit to guys on both teams, MASL players, fans don’t really know their names necessarily, what a great show tonight,” Lilavois said. “Credit to the staff and the Fury front office who are just out there working in the community, this is what it’s coming to. So it was a great showcase for the MASL and the future is bright for us.”

The Ontario Fury will return for its fourth season of arena soccer this fall at Citizens Business Bank Arena. Season and group ticket packages for the 2016-17 season are on sale now. For information on ticket packages, check OntarioFury.com or call 909-457-0252.

 
## PASSION – POWER – FURY ##
 

The ONTARIO FURY, DRIVEN BY MARK CHRISTOPHER CHEVROLET, are the Inland Empire’s newest professional sports franchise, bringing the fast-paced, high-speed action of arena soccer to the Citizens Business Bank Arena. The team, which is part of the Major Arena Soccer League, is committed to advancing soccer at every level across Inland Southern California. Visit OntarioFury.com for information.