Harrisburg Heat at Cedar Rapids Rampage 2/16 Game Notes and Preview
February 15, 2017 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Cedar Rapids Rampage News Release
Milwaukee, WI - The Cedar Rapids Rampage have fallen a half-game behind, and relinquished the tie-breaker against the Milwaukee Wave and the Wave's magic number is two to clinch the final playoff spot in the Central Division. The Rampage will need help making the playoffs, but they have it in their power to take care of business and win their last three games, and such a strong finish would give them a 14-6 record.
The Harrisburg Heat come to town Thursday in what will be the final regular season home game for the Rampage this season. The Heat are also in a dogged fight for a playoff spot, despite a 7-8 record in the less competitive Eastern Division.
The Rampage are looking to regain their mojo after losing four of their last seven and they will have Jonatan Santos and Angel Curiel back after playing without the duo for the last five games. Their absence started with a huge home win over the Baltimore Blast, but also included two blowout losses in Milwaukee.
The Heat are the only team who has shown more improvement than Cedar Rapids this year. While the Rampage have flipped from 5-15 to 11-6, the Heat have gone from 1-18 last year to seven wins, with five games remaining.
In their only prior meeting this season, the Rampage pulled out a 3-2 overtime win on the road when Gordy Gurson capitalized on a defensive miscue to score the winning goal.
Harrisburg is led by rookie goalkeeper Hugo Silva, who has started the last 14 games, Ricardo Carvalho, acquired in the offseason from the Chicago Mustangs, and rookie midfielder Thiago Freitas. To boost their offense, the Heat signed former Rampage forwards Elmo Neto and Carlos "Chile" Farias during the season.
Harrisburg is 3-4 on the road, while the Rampage are 7-2 at home. The Heat play Friday at the Kansas City Comets and could do the Rampage a huge favor by pulling an upset there. The Rampage, meanwhile will head to Chicago, where on Sunday they will try for their first win in seven tries against the Mustangs.
What's at stake?
Playoffs and first place: The top two teams in the Central Division make the playoffs. Kansas City (13-4), Cedar Rapids (11-6) and Milwaukee (12-6) are in a hot race.
Harrisburg (7-8), Florida (8-9), and Syracuse (6-10) are all chasing the final Eastern Division playoff spot.
Jonatan Santos and Angel Curiel return to the lineup after missing the last five games.
Cedar Rapids is 5-0 against Eastern Division teams.
Final Rampage regular season home game of 2016-17.
Elmo Neto and Chile Farias come back to US Cellular Center as members of the Heat
0What's at stake?
Playoffs and first place: The top two teams in the Central Division make the playoffs. Kansas City (13-4), Cedar Rapids (11-6) and Milwaukee (12-6) are in a hot race.
Harrisburg (7-8), Florida (8-9), and Syracuse (6-10) are all chasing the final Eastern Division playoff spot.
Jonatan Santos and Angel Curiel return to the lineup after missing the last five games.
Cedar Rapids is 5-0 against Eastern Division teams.
Final Rampage regular season home game of 2016-17.
Elmo Neto and Chile Farias come back to US Cellular Center as members of the Heat
What: Harrisburg Heat (7-8) Cedar Rapids Rampage (11-6)
When: Thursday February 16 @7:05 PM CST
Where: US Cellular Center, Cedar Rapids, IA and online at MASL.tv
All-time series: Rampage leads, 3-0
Players to watch:Cedar Rapids:Jonatan Santos (5 goals, 13 assists, 18 points in 12 games)
Angel Curiel (7-0-7 in 12 games)
Harrisburg:
Ricardo Carvalho (13-6-19 in 14 games)
Thiago Freitas (8-8-16 in 15 games)
Hugo Silva (7-7 5.35 GAA)
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