Lucius scores in pro debut as Gulls fall 6-3 to Firebirds
San Diego twice erased a deficit in Coachella Valley, but Nikke Kokko shut out the Gulls in the third period.
Cruz Lucius scored his first AHL goal in his professional debut Friday, drawing the San Diego Gulls level during a 6-3 loss to the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena.
San Diego finished its opening three-game road stretch with one win, one regulation loss and one overtime loss. The Gulls scored first in each game.
Captain Ryan Carpenter gave San Diego the lead, with assists from Herman Träff and Yegor Sidorov. It was Träff's first point in the AHL.
Two Coachella Valley goals early in the second period put the Firebirds ahead. Matthew Phillips responded 19 seconds after the second goal, assisted by Nico Myatovic and James Hamblin. Lucius then tied the score again after Coachella Valley had moved back in front. Anton Wahlberg assisted on Lucius's goal, giving him four points in three games.
Laurent Brossoit stopped 24 shots in his second start of the season. San Diego directed 21 shots at Kokko in the third period without scoring.
The Gulls return to Pechanga Arena San Diego on Saturday, Oct. 10, for their home opener against the Henderson Silver Knights at 6 p.m. PDT.
