Blast Defeat Sonora 7-4
April 10, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release
Juan Pereira and Kaoru Forbess of the Baltimore Blast Celebrate a Goal
(Baltimore Blast, Credit: David Rippeto)
The MASL Championship Series kicked off on Sunday evening as the Baltimore Blast hosted Soles de Sonora in game 1 from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. In game one of the series the Blast came out victorious 7-4.
Sonora would get on the board first when League MVP, Franck Tayou, recorded his 13th postseason goal. The Blast would answer when Andrew Hoxie recorded his first goal of the postseason assisted by Tony Donatelli. The Blast would gain the lead by converting a power play with seconds left in the first quarter when Lucas Roque found the back of the net for his fifth playoff goal. The goal was assisted by Tony Donatelli who recorded his second assist of the game and his team leading seventh postseason assist. At the end of the first the Blast led 2-1.
After a Blast penalty to start the second quarter, Sonora would answer with a power play goal of their own from Gustavo Rosales. At the 2:59 mark Kaoru Forbess gave the Blast the lead right back with his first goal of the postseason assisted by Adriano Dos Santos. At the 10:28 mark Jonatas Melo extended the Blast lead with his second goal of the postseason assisted by Jeremy Ortiz. With :17 seconds left in the half Luis Cadres would score for Sonora to cut the Blast lead to 1. At the half the Blast led 4-3.
The Blast would begin the second half by adding to their lead when Jonatas Melo recorded his second goal of the game assisted by Jeremy Ortiz. At the 12:30 mark in the quarter Levi Houapeu was able to beat the keeper for his third goal of the postseason. The goal was assisted by Sofiane Tergou. In a physical game, the Blast defense was able to hold Sonora scoreless in the quarter and entered the fourth leading 6-3.
The Blast would control possession during the final quarter. Sofiane Tergou would find the back of the net at the 8:47 mark to seal the victory for the Blast. Sonora would convert on a power play at the 12:29 mark but it would not be enough to come back on the Blast defense. At the final buzzer the Blast defeated Sonora 7-4.
The Blast were led by strong defensive play including holding Sonora to only one goal in the second half. The Blast defense recorded 8 blocks on the night including two each from Pat Healey, Kaoru Forbess, and Jermey Ortiz. Goalkeeper, William Vanzela recorded 13 saves in the victory. Offensively, Jonatas Melo led the way with 2 goals while the Blast had 9 players record a point in the winning effort.
The Blast will travel to Sonora one win away from a MASL Championship. Game 2 of the series and mini game if necessary will be played Friday, April 15th at 11p.m. EST from the Centro de Usos Arena.
Images from this story
 Juan Pereira and Kaoru Forbess of the Baltimore Blast Celebrate a Goal (David Rippeto) |
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from April 10, 2016
- Blast Defeat Sonora 7-4 - Baltimore Blast
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.
