Cedar Rapids Rampage at Kansas City Comets Game Notes and Preview
February 25, 2017 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Cedar Rapids Rampage News Release
Independence, MO - The Cedar Rapids Rampage had to deal with the disappointment that comes with raised expectations. Coming off a 5-15 inaugural season, the Rampage revamped their roster and shot to the top of the Central Division for much of the season, fueled by a seven game winning streak. With their playoff hopes now dashed, Cedar Rapids will look to end on a high note by completing a three-game season sweep of the Kansas City Comets on Sunday at 5:05pm at the same Silvertstein Eye Centers Arena where their season began.
The Comets have a lot of reasons to make sure that doesn't happen. The Comets naturally want to avoid a sweep and don't want to lose in front of their home crowd. More importantly, with a win, the Comets will clinch the Central Division title. If Kansas City loses, they could still back in to the division title if the Milwaukee Wave lose to the Chicago Mustangs on March 5.
Rookie goalkeepers Brett Petricek and Stephen Paterson have made every start this year for their respective teams. Paterson could be at the top of the lists for both Rookie of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year. The third year goalie is still an eligible rookie because he had only played three games before this season. He is 14-4 with a 4.64 GAA, has scored a goal and has registered a shutout this season. Petricek has struggled of late, but had a strong second half in Chicago last Sunday and will be going for his 13th win in the same arena he picked up his first win on October 29.
Comets leading scorer Leo Gibson has missed four games this year, but Ramone Palmer has picked up the slack. Palmer has 17 points in his last seven games. Vahid Assadpour got off to a slow start this year but reeled off 20 points in a nine game stretch before being shut out in Milwaukee on February 18.
The Comets 7-5 loss in Milwaukee ended a nine-game winning streak. Their two losses to Cedar Rapids came on October 29 and December 10. Kansas City's only other home loss this season came against the Florida Tropics on December 30.
Cedar Rapids will be without Joshio Sandoval and Derek Huffman, who are both serving one-game league suspensions. Gordy Gurson will once again look to get it going after being held without a point in four of the last five games. Hewerton Moreira has taken the team scoring lead with 35 points.
Whether they finish 13-7 or 12-8, this will still be a highly successful second season for the Rampage with plenty to build from in 2017-18.
What's at stake?
Rampage looking to go 3-0 vs. Kansas City in 2016-17
Comets can clinch Central Division with a win
Gordy Gurson trying to break out of slump
0What's at stake?
Rampage looking to go 3-0 vs. Kansas City in 2016-17
Comets can clinch Central Division with a win
Gordy Gurson trying to break out of slump
What: Cedar Rapids Rampage (12-7) at Kansas City Comets (14-5)
When: Sunday, February 26 5:05pm CSTWhere: Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, Independence, MO
All-time series: Kansas City leads, 3-2
Players to watch:Cedar Rapids:Hewerton Moreira (22 goals, 13 assists, 35 points in 19 games)
Gordy Gurson (22-10-32 in 19 games)
Kansas City:
Ramone Palmer (13-18-31 in 18 games)
Vahid Assadpour (16-11-27 in 19 games)
Stephen Paterson (14-4 4.64 GAA in 19 games)
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from February 25, 2017
- Cedar Rapids Rampage at Kansas City Comets Game Notes and Preview - Cedar Rapids Rampage
- Stars Downed by Mustangs, 9-6 - Tacoma Stars
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