Game Preview 12/21 - Heat Play Home Opener Saturday vs. Utica City
Published on December 20, 2024 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Harrisburg Heat News Release
The Heat return their top three goal scorers from last year in Dominic Francis, Roshawn Panton and Malcolm Harris. In addition, the Heat returned experienced players in forward, Joey Tavernese, defender, Brad Kerstetter and goalkeeper, Jorge Navarrete.
Key off-season acquisitions include defenders Adriano Dos Santos and Jake Dengler as well as forward Mike Da Silva. Dos Santos was a longtime teammate of Head Coach Pat Healey in Baltimore where they won several championships playing together. Jake Dengler is a solid defender who has had a successful outdoor career in the USL while Da Silva returns to the Heat in a trade with the St. Louis Ambush. Da Silva played for the Harrisburg Heat in the 2022/2023 MASL season.
The Harrisburg Heat got big news this week as Hugo Silva was approved for his visa. He is eligible to play and will be dressed for the game this Saturday. The Heat are still waiting on a final potential visa approval of Thiago Freitas. Joey Tavernese leads the Heat in scoring with three goals as he recorded a hat trick in Baltimore on December 8th. Jake Dengler and Malcolm Harris lead the Heat in assists with two.
Head To Head
This is the first meeting between Harrisburg and Utica this season. Utica won all six games between the two teams last year. Harrisburg is coming off a 8-6 loss in Baltimore in their season opening game. Utica had a successful start to their season as they went to the west coast and defeated the Empire Strykers 9-6 and lost an exciting overtime game in San Diego to the Sockers 6-5.
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