Detroit WAZA Declares A Decisive Victory Over Kings
February 27, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Waza Flo News Release
(Detroit, MI) The Detroit WAZA FLO and the Cincinnati Kings are more than just rivals. When the two teams meet, the tensions are high and both teams know that there really isn't much needed to motivate one another. This final meeting of the season between the teams was a must-win for the Kings to be able to make it to the post-season. But WAZA's passionate drive and ambitious determination, as well as tremendous talent, added up to give Detroit a thrilling 7-6 win. With this victory, WAZA ends the regular season with a record 13 wins and 3 losses, giving Detroit WAZA FLO its first ever Eastern Division title.
"I am proud of our team and what we have accomplished", said head coach Costea Decu. "We had so many impact players that worked hard and we bonded as a team a little better every time we stepped on the field. The foundation has been set and the future of this team looks bright."
Yet, this match began with a Cincinnati lead. The Kings were able to put two goals away within the first three minutes of play. At the tenth minute, the Kings took their advantage further by bringing the score 3-0. In the last two minutes of play, WAZA's Stefan St. Louis was finally able to put Detroit on the board, ending the 1st quarter down 3-1.
Detroit returned to the pitch in the second quarter looking revived and determined. Aaron Byrd, Costea Decu and Miki Djerisilo each found net taking the lead 4-3 before the Kings evened the score, ending the half with a 4-4 tie.
Within five minutes of the third period, the Kings were again leading WAZA by a point. But WAZA's fierce tenacity emerged with Matt Johnson, Ryan Mack and Miki Djerisilo each finding net, ending the quarter with a 7-5 lead over Cincinnati. The fourth period proved to be a battle between the two teams, going scoreless until the last minute of play, when the Kings scored their final goal. But it wasn't enough to claim the victory. WAZA walks away with the 7-6 win.
Adding Decu, "This has been a great season for us. How we've preformed all year long, our body of work from start to finish, has been really incredible. I thought we played extremely well tonight."
Friday evening's match between Detroit WAZA FLO and the Louisville Lightning was a close WAZA win 9-8.
The Detroit WAZA FLO will begin the first round of playoffs with a home game Saturday, March 3rd; 7:30 pm kick off. Get your tickets now before they sell out!
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Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from February 27, 2012
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