San Diego Falls Short to Firebirds in Overtime
Jan 5, 2025By Samantha Mason/SanDiegoGulls.com
The San Diego Gulls continued their weekend road trip tonight against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. After giving it their all, they ultimately came up short 3-2 in overtime.
Tonight’s loss comes in the wake of the Gulls’ loss against the Ontario Reign on Friday.
Coachella opened up and led the scoring throughout the first and second period.
With less than five minutes left in the contest, Sasha Pastujov and Sam Colangelo scored back-to-back goals, tying the game. Pastujov has earned nine points in his last eight games.
"I think we just build off that third period," said Pastujov. "Just knowing we play like that, we'll have a chance every night. But I think more importantly is not waiting till the third period to get to that kind of dominant game. Being ready to go from the opening faceoff, and sustain it over three periods, will be huge."
 The Firebirds netted the winning goal a minute into the overtime period, ultimately taking the victory 3-2. This contest marks the eighth contest to result in overtime played by the Gulls this season.
San Diego begins a five-game homestand this Wednesday, as they return to Pechanga Arena to face the Iowa Wild for the first time this season (7 p.m. PST).
"We love playing in front of America's finest fans, and when we play to our identity, we can beat anybody, and we can certainly play with teams," said head coach Matt McIlvane. "Our formula is very clear for us. And when we stick to it, we got a chance in every game."