Byrd Leads Detroit WAZA To Victory Over Vortex
January 21, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Waza Flo News Release
Midfielder Aaron Byrd led the Detroit WAZA Flo to a 13-12 road win over the Ohio Vortex tonight. Byrd scored five of the 13 goals to guide Detroit to their ninth win of the season. But it was Byrd's fourth quarter, 14 minute 59 second strike that would become the crucial game winner.
"Aaron really kept his intensity up tonight. He was the catalyst in tonight's game and everyone else jumped on board", said WAZA head coach, Dominic Scicluna. "We always have confidence in one another and I knew one of us would step up. Aaron's a phenomenal player."
It was all Detroit from the beginning of the match as WAZA's Miki Djerisilo opened up the scoring just 57 seconds into the first quarter. Aaron Byrd then got into the scoring column, followed by Scotty Wright and Darrel Quinn to unlock a 4-1 lead over Ohio. The second quarter saw goals by Byrd and Zack Wilkes, ending the half 7-4.
The Vortex marched back into the game early in the second half, outscoring Detroit 2-1. Despite a goal by WAZA's Dominic Scicluna, the match crept to within two points by the end of the third quarter. By the fourth quarter, Ohio's offense was in high gear. The Vortex exploded for six goals, the first coming in the initial 12 seconds of the final quarter. Even though WAZA's Victor Otieno scored back to back goals three minutes into the fourth, Ohio was unrelenting. They continued to press the attack and threw wave after wave forward in search of net. They found plenty and with 1:47 left in the match, Ohio was leading 12-10. In the final minute and a half of play, Detroit's Aaron Byrd capped his night scoring three goals, mere seconds apart, ending this nail biter 13-12.
Adding Scicluna, "It was important for us to get out on the road and play away from our comfort zone. This game really tested our character. We were lucky to come out on top tonight."
The WAZA Flo will be hosting the Cincinnati Kings next Saturday, January 28th, at the Taylor Sportsplex, 7:35 kick-off.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from January 21, 2012
- Byrd Leads Detroit WAZA To Victory Over Vortex - Waza Flo
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