Gulls lose lead in final minutes against Coachella Valley, 3-2
The San Diego Gulls opened a four-game homestand Wednesday night against the Coachella Valley Firebirds, losing in the final two minutes.
The Gulls had the lead for the majority of the game, but despite surviving multiple power-play opportunities from one of the best special teams in the league, San Diego lost control in the final two minutes, when Coachella Valley scored twice to take the win.
San Diego finished the first with a 2-1 lead against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Captain Ryan Carpenter scored the opening goal. Coachella Valley entered the game with the Pacific Division’s top power play and the most penalty minutes in the AHL. The Gulls were able to stop Coachella Valley’s power play by staying aggressive and forcing turnovers. San Diego was able to get another goal nearing the end of the first, but Coachella Valley answered back and got one of their own on the board.
Lisan carp-Gaib 🙌#LetsGoGulls pic.twitter.com/dH5Ae3ZkAw
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) October 22, 2026
Philly's signet? Goal Wielding 🚨#LetsGoGulls pic.twitter.com/QxxQ345Kr0
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) October 22, 2026
San Diego struggled to generate shots for the first half of the second, but Laurent Brossoit was solid in the net. Halfway through the second, San Diego had a power-play opportunity that marked a shift in the Gulls’ offensive approach. The Gulls had some strong power-play shots but were unable to convert. San Diego’s offense turned it up a notch following their power-play attempt and gained control for the rest of the second period. Coachella Valley led in shots on goal for the entire game, but San Diego created strong offensive pressure in the latter half of the second, generating more chances to add on to their 2-1 lead. The Gulls looked more dangerous offensively but were unable to extend the lead before the period ended.
The game became more even in the third, and San Diego carried some of its second-period spark into the third but was unable to fully take control.
In the final two minutes of regulation, San Diego lost control of the game. With less than two minutes left, Coachella Valley pulled its goalie and created pressure in front of the net where they scored the tying goal. As things looked to be heading into overtime, Coachella Valley had other ideas. With 22 seconds left in regulation, the Firebirds scored and stole the game 3-2.
The Gulls protected their 2-1 lead for most of the game, only to see it disappear in the final two minutes. San Diego had spurts of improved offensive pressure and strong goaltending throughout the game but was unable to convert its second-period opportunities into an insurance goal. That left the game within reach for the Firebirds, who took advantage in the final minutes.
The Gulls fall to 3-4-1-0 on the season.
Up Next: The Gulls will play game two of their four-game home stand against the San Jose Barracuda, Sat., Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. PT
A San Diego local, Bill brings his interest in the city’s sports to East Village Times. He looks beyond the final score to tell the stories of the people and moments that shape each game.