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 Baltimore Blast

Blast Advance to MASL Championship, Defeat Comets 10-7

March 15, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release


Vini Dantas Tallies Hat Trick in Playoff Win
Vini Dantas Tallies Hat Trick in Playoff Win
(Baltimore Blast)

The Blast traveled to Missouri on Sunday afternoon for game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In a hard fought game by both teams the Blast defeated the Comets to move on to the MASL Championship Series. The final score was 10-7.

The game got off to a slow start with only one goal recorded in the opening quarter. The Missouri Comets scored the first goal of the game when Kiel Williams found the back of the net at the 10:47 mark assisted Max Touloute. At the end of the first the Comets led 2-0.

The second quarter turned into a shootout with 6 goals recorded before the half. The Blast tied the game with a goal from Mike Deasel assisted by Adauto Neto. Baltimore's leading scorer Lucas Roque gave the Blast the lead with a goal assisted by Levi Houpeau. After a Comet's penalty, Tony Donatelli scored at the 11:44 mark off an assist by Lucio Gonzaga for the 3 rd straight Blast goal. The Comets answered when Alain Matingou recorded a goal vutting the Blast lead to 1. The Blast would answer when Onua Obasi gained possession at the top of the arc and hit a rocket shot past the Comets goalkeeper. Obasi's 10th goal of the season was assisted by Adauto Neto. With only one second left in the half Comet's defender John Sosa was able to score making it a 1 point game. At the half the Blast led 4-3.

In the second half both teams came out aggressive with fast paced action. The Blast began the quarter by converting on their second powerplay opportunity. Vini Dantas recorded his 17th goal of the season etending the Blast lead to 2. The Comets would answer with back to back goals of their own. Bryan Perez and Josh Gardner recorded the Comets goals to tie the game at 5. Vini Dantas answered for the Blast with his second goal of the game at the 12:02 mark giving the Blast the lead back. With seconds remaining in the quarter Pat Healey, who leads the Blast in assists, sent a great ball off a restart to Tony Donatelli for a goal. The Blast went into the final quarter leading 7-5.

Both teams came out with high intensity during the fourth quarter. Vini Dantas completed the hat trick at the 10:03 mark putting the Blast up by 3. The Comets would battle back with goals from Josh Gardner and Leo Gibson making it a one point game with minutes to go. The Blast defense stepped up along with goalkeeper William Vanzela to seal a Blast victory. Adriano Dos Santos and Levi Houpeau would both score empty net goals in the final minute of the game making the final score 10-7.

The Blast move to 21-2 on the season and 3-0 in the playoffs. The Blast were led offensively by Vini Dantas who recorded 3 goals on the night and Tony Donatelli who scored 2. Blast captain Pat Healey drew the tough task of defending the potential league MVP Leo Gibson and in 2 games Healey kept Gibson in check. Goalkeeper of the year candidate William Vanzela recorded 24 saves and improves to 17-2. Vanzela and the defense had a remarkable series against a high powered Comets offense.

The Blast advance to the MASL Championship series and will face the winner of the Las Vegas Legends and Monterrey Flash series which concludes tonight. More information regarding series dates and times will be announced at the conclusion of the Western Conference Championship.





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Vini Dantas Tallies Hat Trick in Playoff Win
Vini Dantas Tallies Hat Trick in Playoff Win

  

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