THUNDER BAY – Adam Abdellaoui says the last time he scored two goals in a game, he was a freshman in college.
“We lost that one 6-2,” the rookie Thunder Bay Chill forward said Saturday.
The outcome was markedly different the second time around.
Abdellaoui scored goals about a minute apart, in the 31st and 32nd minute, leading the Thunder Bay Chill to their third win in four outings, a 2-0 whitewashing of the visiting Des Moines Menace at Fort William Stadium.
The triumph helped the Chill avoid a costly weekend sweep at the hands of their Heartland Division rival, and provided plenty of momentum as the team hits the road for key games next weekend against Chicago and these same Menace.
Finally finding the back of the net after three scoreless games was a good feeling said the 20-year-old Georgia Southern product.
“It was a relief to get some goals because the last three games I missed three perfect opportunities, one in each game,” Abdellaoui said.
“It was like getting the monkey off my back. It was nice to finally get it going and it gives us great momentum going into the road trip next week.”
Getting the rookie forward on the score sheet was just what Chill coach Giovanni Petraglia was hoping for, especially with former Premier Development League most valuable player Sullivan Silva still on the sidelines, nursing an injured groin.
It makes the Chill a little more versatile up front, Petraglia said.
“Adam is a real option,” the coach said. “When he came in, the first day of training camp, he gave me a very good impression … We have three good options we could use. Our idea is always to go with two forwards if we can.
“Sometimes, like yesterday, we have to go with one. But we need those kinds of forwards and Adam has different characteristics than (Silva and Brandon Swartzendruber). So we’re waiting for Sullivan to be healthy and we’ll have options every week.”
Abdellaoui paired with fellow freshman Eddie Sanchez on both his goals and said he’s developed a real chemistry with his new teammate in the month they’ve played together.
“I think from Day 1 me and him have been getting it on very well. We seem to have a pretty good friendship, even off the field. So I think it really helps when you get on the field to play with your friends.”
Both goals came against starting Menace keeper Austin Kroll, who gave way to Friday night’s starter Kyle Ihn at halftime.
The Chill played without midfielder Abraham Villon, who served a one-game suspension for picking up a red card the night before.
