Blast Clinch Playoff Berth, Defeat Heat 6-4
January 9, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release
Baltimore Blast Celebrate Pat Healey Goal
(Baltimore Blast, Credit: David Ripetto)
The Blast played their fifth consecutive divisional game on Saturday night when they hosted the Harrisburg Heat. With their 11th win of the season the Blast were able to become the first team in the MASL to clinch a playoff berth.The Blast defeated the Heat 6-4 to remain undefeated.
The Blast took an early lead when Onua Obasi scored the games opening goal off an assist from Andrew Hoxie. After playing solid defense the entire quarter the Blast held the Heat to only one shot. With 40 seconds remaining the Blast would convert a power play opportunity with a goal from Lucas Roque assisted by Pat Healey. At the end of the first the Blast led 2-0.
The Blast would add to their lead in the second quarter while continuing solid defensive play. At the 10:31 mark Tony Donatelli recorded his 10th goal of the season off of Pat Healey's second assist of the game. Minutes later Blast captain, Pat Healey would add a goal that was assisted by Andrew Hoxie. The Blast defense held the Heat to only 3 shots in the half and went unto the locker room leading 4-0.
In the third quarter the Heat would come out and score three goals to pull within one. Tyler Witmer would record 2 goals and Chris Williams would add the third. The Blast entered the final quarter leading 4-3.
The Blast leading scorer Vini Dantas, recorded a goal at the 6:05 mark of the fourth quarter. This was Dantas's 20th goal of the season and the 11th consecutive game with a goal scored. On the Dantas goal Geaton Caltabiano recorded the assist which was his first point with the Blast. With 2 minutes remaining Vini Dantas dribbled the ball down the length boards to set up a Lucas Roque goal and seal the Blast victory. The final score was Blast 6 Heat 3.
The Blast move to 11-0 on the season. The Blast were lead offensively by Pat Healey who recorded a goal and 2 assists. Seven players record a point in the game during a complete team victory. Goalkeeper William Vanzela recorded 5 saves in the victory. The Blast will hit the road for a 5 game road trip over the next month. The next game will be Sunday, January 24, against the Syracuse Silver Knights. Kickoff is a 1:00p.m. EST from the OnCenter War Memorial.
Images from this story
 Baltimore Blast Celebrate Pat Healey Goal (David Ripetto) |
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from January 9, 2016
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- Comets Drop First Ever Game against the Chicago Mustangs - Kansas City Comets
- Blast Clinch Playoff Berth, Defeat Heat 6-4 - Baltimore Blast
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