Baltimore Blast - Utica City Game Preview
Published on December 13, 2019 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release
Baltimore Blast vs. Utica City FC
Saturday December 14th @ SECU Arena 6:05 P.M. ET
You can watch the game live on MASLTV: https://www.maslsoccer.com/masltv
2019-20 Baltimore Blast: 2-1 (2-0 at Home; 0-1 away from home)
Fifth Place in the Eastern Conference
2019-20 Utica City FC: 3-1 (2-0 at Home; 1-1 away from home)
Second Place in the Eastern Conference
All time series: Series Tied 4-4
Season Series: Series Tied 1-1
Baltimore Players to Watch:
The Blast last faced Utica City on November 24, and lost 4-2 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, NY. Since that game, the Blast defeated the Orlando Seawolves last Saturday 14-5 to improve to 2-1 on the season. Forward and MASL Team of the Week Forward Vini Dantas scored five goals and an assist to place himself second in the MASL in points (10), goals (8), and points per game (3.3). Midfielder Tony Donatelli was also selected to the MASL Team of the Week after a two goal and two assist performance against the Seawolves. Forward Juan Pereira is now tied for the lead in the MASL in assists with five, all of which were tallied against Utica City this season. The Blast currently boast the third best offense in the MASL, with an average of eight goals scored per game.
Defender Adriano Dos Santos enjoyed a return to indoor soccer action last Saturday with a two assist performance. Defender Ibrahima 'Kalou' Keita has already exceeded his previous season's point tally in ten less games. Goalkeeper William Vanzela continues to dazzle in his eighth season with the Blast, recording 13 saves in last Saturday's victory.
Marco Nascimento will miss this Saturday's game against Orlando as he recovers from an injury sustained from last season. The Blast are coached by Head Coach Danny Kelly & Assistant Coach David Bascome.
The Competition - Utica City FC
In two games since Utica City's last matchup versus the Blast, they have beaten the Rochester Lancers 9-1 and the Harrisburg Heat 4-3. Utica City currently sits in second place in the MASL's Eastern Conference. Forward Moises Gonzalez enters this Saturday's matchup on a hot streak, as he has recorded six points combined in the last two games. Cristhian Segura leads Utica City in points with eight and goals scored with six. Bo Jelovac is tied for the MASL lead in assists with Blast forward Juan Pereira with five in his first four games.
Onua Obasi returns to Baltimore to face the Blast for the first time since his departure. Obasi recorded the go-ahead goal in Utica City's latest victory over the Harrisburg Heat on Sunday. Goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin ranks fourth in the MASL in Goals Allowed Average (3.27) and save percentage (77.1%). Utica City FC will miss defender James Togbah to suspension. Utica City FC is coached by Head Coach Ryan Hall and Assistant Coach Casey Murphy.
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