Heat Travel to Syracuse
January 8, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Harrisburg Heat News Release
Harrisburg Heat Forward Tom Mellor
(Harrisburg Heat)
The Harrisburg Heat have had many key members out of the lineup at crucial times this season, including their prized offseason aquisition forward Adauto Neto, who has yet to step on the field after suffering an injury with the National Futsal team. Many times the Heat have been down four or five key players, never missing less than three at any time. With that has come some valiant efforts and a winless season in eight tries. As they chase the teams in front of them in the Eastern Division, Syracuse (3-4), Detroit (6-5), and Baltimore (9-0), the team finds itself with the realization it is going to need some road victories with a little more than half of the season left.
As the team embarks on a four game road trip, it realizes that matchups this weekend in Syracuse on Friday night and Baltimore on Saturday night are crucial.
"Both games are huge for us," said Heat head coach Tarik Walker. "If we want any chance of getting back in the playoff picture we must beat the teams directly ahead of us and we will have to do it on the road."
Syracuse is led by forward Jerjer Gibson (8 goals) and midfielders Antonio Manfut and Kenardo Forbes with nine points each. Bryan O'Quinn leads the Silver Knights in net with a 5.71 goals against average.
"Syracuse attacks with speed," said Walker. "As soon as they win the ball their keeper looks to throw early and use Manfoot and Forbes speed to counter attack."
Baltimore is led in scoring by forwards Vini Dantas (15 goals), Tony Donatelli (8 goals), and Lucas Roque (6 goals). Keeper William Vanzela has been nearly unbeatble sporting a 2.33 goals against average.
Coach Walker knows division leader Baltimore well, they are able to beat teams with set plays and they are also able to prey on opportunies when they are presented. Mistakes usually end up in the opposition's net.Â
The Heat are led offensively by forwards Kenny Fultz and Val Teixeira along with midfielder Patrick Thompson and defender Chris Williams who all have 6 points each on the season. Goalkeepers Tim Mehl and Scott Krotee have been splitting time in net, but Krotee has played more recently.
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 Harrisburg Heat Forward Tom Mellor |
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