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5 Things to Watch vs. the Florida Tropics

November 25, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release


5 Things to Watch vs. the Florida Tropics
5 Things to Watch vs. the Florida Tropics
(Syracuse Silver Knights)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - With a victory in the club's home opener over the Harrisburg Heat last Friday, the Syracuse Silver Knights are busy training for another divisional foe this holiday weekend. The Florida Tropics make their Salt City debut on Saturday night at Dave and Buster's Field in the War Memorial at Oncenter, and there will plenty of interesting storylines to watch.

1) The Coughlin Factor

Goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin started his reign as the Knights shot stopper in style versus Harrisburg. Coughlin and the Knights defenders held the Heat to just two goals in the opener. Defense was a point of emphasis of Silver Knights Coach Bryan O'Quinn throughout the preseason, with the club hoping to keep opponents to no more than one goal per quarter. They succeeded in the opener, thanks to excellent play from Coughlin, defender Jake Schindler and his fellow Knights on the backline. Coupled with a concerted effort by the club's midfielders and forwards to press the Heat, Syracuse showcased a stifling defense. Will it be enough to stop the Tropics?

2) Two Familiar Faces on the Tropics

Florida is the newest club in the MASL and looks to make an impact right away. Although new to the league, the Tropics have signed several former MASL players and other local talent to bolster its lineup. The Tropics feature former Silver Knights defender J.P. Reyes, who also played previously for the Rochester Lancers. In the front office, Florida's General Manager and VP of Operations Andrew Ross got his start in professional soccer as an intern with the Silver Knights during his days studying at Syracuse University. It will be a sort of homecoming for both.

3) The MacNabb Watch

One of the surprises on Opening Night for the Silver Knights was the starting role for defender Zachary MacNabb. While MacNabb made the Syracuse squad last season, he played in limited action as a rookie and tallied just a single assist. In year two, he's found himself thrown into the mix right out of the gate. His role may change when veteran defender Darren Toby returns to the club, which is expected in the next few weeks. For now, MacNabb and his teammates on the backline hope to build upon their impressive performance vs. the Heat.

4) Fit and Physical

The Silver Knights hit their stride in the second half versus Harrisburg, wearing down the Heat with a high-energy work rate that led to five goals after halftime. The Knights high-pressure defending paid dividends versus the Heat, but the Florida Tropics have impressed the Knights coaching staff with their fitness level and strong, physical play. Look for Tropics defender Victor Rojas, a native of Venezuela, to be a key man for the Tropics. Rojas has scored two goals already this season from the out of the back, and he'll be a man Knights defenders must keep tabs on this Saturday.

5) Will Lightning Strike Twice for Slavisa?

With Syracuse up only a goal in the fourth quarter against Harrisburg last Friday, forward Slavisa Ubiparipovic stood over a free kick from the top of the circle in the offensive half. With Heat defenders lined up in front of him to stop his shot, Ubiparipovic unleashed a curling rocket into the top left corner of the goal. The crowd erupted with cheers and applause for the Slavisa's tremendous strike. Look for Ubiparipovic to be in the mix for any free kicks Syracuse wins in Florida's defensive half.




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5 Things to Watch vs. the Florida Tropics
5 Things to Watch vs. the Florida Tropics

  

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