Baltimore Blast vs. Chicago Mustangs Game Preview
November 5, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release
Setting the Tone:
Baltimore Blast: The Blast finished last season 18-2 and entered the playoffs as the first seed in the Eastern Division. In the Eastern Division Final, the Blast defeated the Rochester Lancers. After moving past Rochester, the Blast took on the undefeated Missouri Comets for the Conference Championship. The Blast handed the Comets their first two losses of the season to advance to the MASL Championship series where Baltimore came up just short, losing in a decisive game 3 to the Monterrey Flash.
Looking to build off a successful season key returners include Head Coach Danny Kelly, MASL Goalkeeper of the Year William Vanzela, MASL Defender of the Year Pat Healey, Lucas Roque, and Tony Donatelli. Other players to keep an eye on are Vini Dantas and Onua Obasi who enter their second seasons after earning MASL All Rookie Team selections last year. Some new faces who look to make an impact this season include Andrew Hoxie, Jeremy Ortiz, Uzi Tayou, and Jinho Kim.
Chicago Mustangs: Won previous game against the Milwaukee Wave 4-3. Overall record of 1-0 gives them an early lead in the Central Division.
Defense Wins Championships:
2014-15 MASL Defender of the Year, First Team All MASL, and Team Captain Pat Healey anchors the defense which was one of the best in the league last season. Healey and others, like MASL All Rookie Team selection Onua Obasi, veteran defender Adriano Dos Santos, look to continue the long tradition of stout Baltimore defense. Also returning in goal for the Blast this season is the 2014-15 MASL Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team All MASL member, William Vanzela. Last season Vanzela led the league in goals against average and recorded 4 shutouts.
The Competition- Chicago Mustangs:
The Mustangs opened the 2015-16 season with a win over the Milwaukee Wave. Offensively Alexis Camarena recorded 2 goals while Ricardo Carvalho and Joshio Sandoval each had a goal as well in the opening match. In goal for the Mustangs, Jesus Flores recorded 18 saves last week and earned his first win of the season. The Mustangs are coached by Armando Gamboa.
Upcoming Games:
November 14th  7:35p.m. EST Syracuse Silver Knights @ Baltimore Blast
November 21st 7:35p.m. EST Waza Flo @ Baltimore Blast
November 28th 2:05p.m. EST Baltimore Blast @ Harrisburg Heat
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