San Diego Falls Short to Coachella Valley

Feb 28, 2025

By Samantha Mason/SanDiegoGulls.com 

San Diego put on a spectacular display of skill for America’s Finest Fans tonight but fell to Coachella 6-5. 

On Wednesday night, San Diego extended their winning streak to seven but couldn’t keep the momentum going. 

At the end of an action-packed opening frame, the Gulls held the lead 3-2. Goals from Jan Mysak, Ryan Carpenter and Sasha Pastujov all kept their team on top.  

The middle frame was all Coachella Valley though, as the Firebirds were leading 5-3 by the time the third period began. 

Nikita Nesterenko netted his 10th and 11th goals towards the end of the contest to pull the Gulls within one. At the end, the Firebirds held on to the narrow lead. 

"We showed it throughout the season, we've had multiple comebacks," said Nesterenko. "Matt [McIlvane] emphasized it in the room. We all know that we've had good comebacks in the past, so it gave us some belief going into that third. We just played with desperation. Everyone was on their toes, just battling for the guy next to him. So, it was fun. If we can play like that tomorrow for 60, that’ll be it."

Although tonight didn’t go the way the team wanted it, they’re not letting it affect their mindset. 

"We didn't quit," said assistant coach Kris Sparre. "We know that our group never does, so it was nice to see that once again. Yeah, we fought. I thought we worked right to the bitter end. I thought our guys played a pretty desperate game. When you're down bodies, like we were, you know, it can be challenging." 

The Gulls come right back to Pechanga tomorrow night to host the Bakersfield Condors for Mardi Gras Night (6 p.m. PST).