Five Things to Watch Tonight - MASL Honors Ubiparipovic- Real Super-Hero Night
February 24, 2017 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
MASL Player of the Week Slavisa Ubiparipovic
Five Things to Watch Tonight vs. Baltimore
The Silver Knights take the battle to the Batlimore Blast tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Dave and Buster's Field. It's time for another big win for Syracuse.
Here are five things to watch tonight:
1. Staying Alive
Syracuse needed a win in Baltimore to keep its playoff hopes alive, and the team delivered its most complete performance of the season on Feb. 19. The Silver Knights outhustled Baltimore and got outstanding play from goalkeeper Bryan O'Quinn. They'll need to do it all again, as a loss eliminates Syracuse from the playoffs.
2. Bossing the Ball
In last Friday's match against Baltimore, the Blast put on a clinic on how to maintain possession of the ball and frustrate the opposition. When Syracuse pressed and hustled to get back in the match, the Blast commanded the ball and didn't give Syracuse a chance mount a comeback. All that changed in Sunday's rematch in Baltimore, when the Silver Knights gave the Blast a taste of its own medicine. The team that wins the possession and passing accuracy battle should claim the victory on Dave and Buster's Field on Friday night in Syracuse.
3. The Fan Factor
The Silver Knights need every advantage on Friday, and the one that it has for certain is home turf. When the fans at Dave and Buster's field get fired up, so do the Silver Knights. More than ever, Syracuse needs its fans to give them a lift, that extra burst of energy to propel the team to victory. We saw what the Dome crowd did to for SU against Duke on Wednesday - it's time for Silver Knights fans to help energize Syracuse's hometown soccer team.
4. Don't Let Donatelli Get Going
Baltimore is one of the best teams in the MASL, and forward Tony Donatelli is something of the straw that stirs the drink for the Blast. Donatelli leads the Blast in goals, assists and is third in blocks. He played a big part in Baltimore's win over Syracuse last Friday but very little role in the Blast's loss on Sunday. If Syracuse can limit Donatelli's influence on Friday, it will have a good chance of getting the victory it desperately needs.
5. Buzzing in the Back
The Silver Knights defenders did a marvelous job on Sunday working together, covering for each other, and denying good shot opportunities to the Blast. Along with a few stellar saves from O'Quinn, this led to Baltimore's effort waning in the second half. Syracuse needs to keep buzzing on defense to keep its season alive.
Slavisa Ubiparipovic, #99, Named MASL Player of the Week!
The Major Arena Soccer League announced Thursday that Syracuse Silver Knights forward Slavisa Ubiparipovic was named the Player of the Week for Week 17. This is the first Player of the Week award for Ubiparipovic and the first for a Silver Knights player this season.
Ubiparipovic helped to keep the Silver knights in the thick of the Eastern Division playoff race in two games against the Baltimore Blast. He scored four goals and two assists as his team split their two-game weekend series against the Blast.
The Syracuse Silver Knights host the Blast and the Florida Tropics this weekend as they close out their regular season schedule. They can keep their playoff hopes alive with two wins this weekend and help from other teams in their division.
Real Super-Hero Night Is Here!
It's a chance to say thanks to the many men and women in local police and fire departments for all the good work they do in our community.
We've set up a page on Facebook, so you can help spread the word about this awesome event!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1805022813090990/
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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from February 24, 2017
- Blast Win Eastern Division Regular Season Championship, Defeat - Baltimore Blast
- Five Things to Watch Tonight - MASL Honors Ubiparipovic- Real Super-Hero Night - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Weekend Preview: Blast Travel to Syracuse and St. Louis - Baltimore Blast
- Masl Player of the Week - Week Seventeen - MASL
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