Blast Defeat Sockers 9-5
January 25, 2020 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release
Vini Dantas of the Baltimore Blast reacts after a goal
(Baltimore Blast, Credit: Sabina Moran)
Baltimore, MD - The Blast hosted one of their old time rivals, the San Diego Sockers on Saturday night. In an intense rivalry matchup, the Blast were victorious by a score of 9-5.
The Blast would strike first with a goal from Vini Dantas assisted by Ibrahima Keita at the 9:54 mark. Twelve seconds later, Juan Pereira converted on a penalty kick for the Blast to put them up 2-0. The Blast defense held the Sockers scoreless in the first with a noteworthy hustle play by Adriano Dos Santos, racing the length of the field to break up a two on none attack.
San Diego would find the back of the net for the first time at the 10:09 mark in the second with a goal from Slavisa Ubiparipovic. The Blast would answer in the last minute of the half when Jonatas Melo crossed the ball to Adriano Dos Santos for the goal. At the half, the Blast led 3-1.
Both teams were able to make offensive adjustments at the half. Vini Dantas recorded a goal at the 6:52 mark assisted by Adriano Dos Santos. The Sockers would answer with a goal from Craig Chiles. After a blue card on San Diego, Vini Dantas was able to record the hat trick with a power play goal. At the 14:08 mark, Jonatas Melo found the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season to push the Blast lead to four. In the final seconds of the quarter, Brian Farber scored for the Sockers. Going into the final quarter, the Blast led 6-3.
The Blast kept the pressure on in the final quarter. Victor France recorded his first goal of the season early in the quarter assisted by Tony Donatelli. After a San Diego goal and then a Sockers blue card, Victor France found the back of the net again for a Blast power play goal. The Sockers would bring on the sixth attacker and score but it would not be enough. Blast goalkeeper, William Vanzela, scored the final goal of the game throwing the ball full field into the empty net. At the final buzzer, the Blast were victorious 9-5.
The Blast were led by Vini Dantas (three goals one assist) and Jonathan Melo (one goal and two assists). Blast goalkeeper William Vanzela, coming off a 25 save performance, played outstanding again in net and finished with 22 saves and a goal. With this victory, the Blast record improves to 6-5 and puts them right back in the playoff hunt with a huge Eastern Conference matchup in Harrisburg tomorrow night.
The Blast hit the road for a game in Harrisburg tomorrow, January 26th. Kickoff against the Heat will be at 5:05 p.m. from the Farm Show Arena. Be sure to tune in to MASL TV and follow the Blast on social media for scores and updates.
MASL Match Report January 25, 2020
San Diego Sockers @ Baltimore Blast: SECU Arena
Kickoff: 6:05p.m. ET
Scoring Summary:
Quarter 1 2 3 4 F
San Diego 0 1 2 2 5
Baltimore 2 1 3 3 9
Attendance: 2,537
Images from this story
 Vini Dantas of the Baltimore Blast reacts after a goal (Sabina Moran) |
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from January 25, 2020
- Big Win at Home for the Cal Express - Turlock Cal Express
- Sidekicks Lose in California - Dallas Sidekicks
- Wave Slay Rochester Lancers Saturday Night - Milwaukee Wave
- Win Streak Ends in 9-5 Loss to Blast - San Diego Sockers
- Many Firsts for the Lancers, But They Fall to Defending Champion Milwaukee - Rochester Lancers
- Blast Defeat Sockers 9-5 - Baltimore Blast
- Tropics Set Team Record for Fewest Goals Allowed in 7-1 Win over St. Louis - Florida Tropics SC
- St. Louis Ambush Split Florida Series - St. Louis Ambush
- Game Notes: Sidekicks at Turlock - Dallas Sidekicks
- Stars Stop Monterrey Streak with 7-6 Win - Tacoma Stars
- Heat Lose Tight Game to San Diego 7-5, Play Baltimore at Home Sunday - Harrisburg Heat
- Fury Hold off Express for the Win - Ontario Fury
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
