Detroit WAZA Pulls Off Thrilling Victory in Overtime
March 5, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Waza Flo News Release
(Detroit, MI) The Detroit WAZA FLO battled a persistent opponent but persevered in overtime to win the first game of the PASL Ron Newman Cup playoffs, 7-6 over the Illinois Piasa. "It's all about the journey and all about getting better", said head coach Dominic Scicluna. "We're going to enjoy this win tonight and then prepare ourselves for the semi-finals on Friday."
The FLO and the Piasa were evenly matched throughout most of the first half, leaving a sluggish first quarter scoreless. As the second quarter opened, WAZA began to relax and connect with the ball. At 4:07 into the contest, WAZA's Miki Djerisilo, with an assist from Dominic Scicluna, registered the first goal of the game, followed by three additional WAZA points by Costea Decu; Stefan St. Louis, assisted by Ryan Mack; and Ryan Mack, assisted by Stefan St. Louis, ending the half with WAZA up 4-0.
The start of the second half brought a more aggressive and energetic Piasa to the pitch. Nearly five minutes into the third quarter, the Piasa brought the score to within two points. But Detroit gave it right back. For his second tally of the night, WAZA's Costea Decu, with an assist from Aaron Byrd, found the back of the net on a power play ending the third quarter 5-2.
Just as it seemed that Detroit's momentum had turned for the better, Illinois launched itself into the fourth quarter with a substantial push, knocking in two goals in the first seven minutes of play, bringing the score to within one point. Detroit's Ryan Mack added a little cushion with a strike forty seconds later. But that cushion wouldn't last long. Illinois secured two additional goals ending regulation with a 6-6 tie.
This division championship match was a tale of two halves as Detroit played well early but seemed to tire as the game moved into the second frame. Illinois created a few chances on the counter but WAZA keeper Darrell Quinn stood up to their attempts on goal. Yet it was Detroit's Aaron Byrd's knock in the third minute of overtime that ultimately separated the two teams. Detroit WAZA FLO wins 7-6 over the Illinois Piasa.
Added Scicluna, "I'm really proud of our team. I'm proud of the way we played, and came back. I think if you ask any of our guys, we'd like to win the championship. That's our goal. I think we have some talent and could definitely make some noise."
Detroit WAZA FLO heads for the semi-finals to play the Tijuana Revolucion (10-6) Friday, March 9th at the Del Mar Arena, Del Mar, California, 8:00 pm EST start.
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from March 5, 2012
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