Blast Game Preview and Notes
Published on December 20, 2019 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Baltimore Blast News Release
Baltimore Blast vs. Florida Tropics SC
Saturday, December 21st @ RP Funding Center 5:05 P.M. EST
You can watch the game live on MASLTV: https://www.maslsoccer.com/masltv2019-20 Baltimore Blast: 2-2 (2-1 at Home; 0-1 Away)
Second place in the Eastern Division; Lost in Eastern Conference Final
2019-20 Florida: 4-0 (1-0 at Home; 3-0 Away)
Fifth place in the South Central Division; Did not qualify for playoffs
Baltimore Players to Watch:
After losing a close match to rivals Utica City on December 14th, 7-6 in overtime, the Blast will look to get back to their winning ways. They will travel to Florida to face the Tropics and SeaWolves. The match up with the Tropics has some early season playoff implications as they lead the Eastern Conference. Baltimore won the most recent contest, a 4-2 win in Florida back at the end of the 2018-19 season.
Forward Vini Dantas has led the way with nine goals, tied for third in the MASL, and is second in the MASL in points (12) and points per game (3.0). Midfielder Jonatas Melo was the second star in last weekend's game against Utica City thanks to a brilliant two goal performance. Defender Adriano Dos Santos has played well since his return from international duty. Adriano has four assists in just two games, tied for second in the conference. Forward Juan Pereira will look to add to his MASL-leading five assists.
This is the first game of a four-game road trip for the Blast as they finish with two in New York against Rochester and Utica. After the road trip, the Blast will be back home at SECU Arena in a rematch against the Tropics on January 4th, 2020. The Blast are coached by Head Coach Danny Kelly & Assistant Coach David Bascome.
The Competition - Florida Tropics SC
The Tropics are off to a fantastic start, 4-0 and first place in the Eastern conference. They beat the Orlando SeaWolves, 6-3, on Saturday, December 14th, to improve their winning streak to a franchise-record four consecutive games. The Tropics have been excellent thanks to an excellent defense and a 100% penalty kill. Goalkeeper Brett Petricek allowed just 3 goals in his debut for the Tropics, despite being signed just two days prior to the game.
Their attack is led by forward Ricardo Carvalho, who is third in the MASL in points (10) and tied for first with Juan Pereira on the assist leaderboard (5). Midfielder Victora Parreiras scored two goals in last Saturday's victory over Orlando. Last season's Rookie of the Year, Zach Reget, has five points and already has won MASL player of the week this season. Midfielder Matt Clare has been clutch with two game winning goals early in the season. Forward Gordy Gurson is one of the many big names to join the Tropics this past offseason. Florida Tropics SC are coached by Head Coach Clay Roberts and Assistant Coaches Corey Mills, Robbie Aristodemo and Will Arroyo.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from December 20, 2019
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- Blast Game Preview and Notes - Baltimore Blast
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