Bakersfield, Calif., July 1, 2005 – The United Soccer Leagues PDL Director and League Registrar Steve Clamp, ruled that the San Diego Gauchos played a non-registered player against the Brigade on June 26, 2005, which goes against league regulations. “Rule 216-Forfeit” provides for a 1-0 victory for the opposing team and the loss of three (3) points in the league standings for the forfeiting team. With the forfeit, the Brigade record improves to 3-5-1 overall. “This is huge for our club” stated owner Jeffrey Thorn. “This puts us in a really good position to make the playoffs” added Thorn.

 

Over the next few weeks, the Brigade will face Fresno (6-4-1) on July 2nd and Southern California Seahorses (7-2-1) on July 13th and 20th respectively. Both of these teams are currently above the Brigade in current standings, but if the brigade can win these three specific games, the whole complexity of the playoff race becomes very interesting.

 

Brigade forward, Klye Gookins, has guaranteed a win this Saturday over the Fresno Fuego and feels as though the team is jelling at the right time. “Fresno plays really dirty and will try to take control early, but they will fail in their quest and will go home very disappointed,” added Gookins.

 

The Brigade have three home games left in their inaugural season. This Saturday (July 2) they host Fresno Fuego. The first 250 kids to enter the gate, with a paid adult, will receive a FREE Brigade bag. Immediately following the game, the Brigade will have a Firework Show for all their fans. On July 9, the Brigade will host the San Diego Gauchos. This is sure to be a great game, due to the recent forfeit by the Gauchos for the June 26th match. Game time - 7:30pm. And the final home game will be on the 23rd of July, as the Brigade will host California Gold. Game time - 7:30pm