Monterrey Flash at Cedar Rapids Rampage Game Notes/Preview
Published on February 22, 2018 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Cedar Rapids Rampage News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Twenty one down, one to go. The 2017/18 Cedar Rapids Rampage regular season ends Friday against the 18-1 Monterrey Flash at the US Cellular Center. The Rampage lost to the Flash on Sunday in Monterrey, but were missing six starters, including goalkeeper Rainer Hauss.
Friday's game could be the last home game of the season for the Rampage. The team announced this week that its first round home playoff game on March 10 would be shifted to the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, Illinois, near Chicago because of a lack of arena availability at the US Cellular Center. The Ron Newman Cup Conference Final and Championship game are both single elimination this year. The only scenario where the Rampage could host another game would be to win Friday and then get either Tacoma or Ontario in the Championship. The odds of that are almost too astronomical to calculate.
Friday is Fan Appreciation Night and the Rampage will try to finish above .500 with a win. The Flash, who have lost only once this season, have two more games after Friday.
What's at stake?
Rampage looking to take down 3rd division winner
Rampage looking to finish above .500
Could be final home game in 2017/18 for Rampage
0What's at stake?
Rampage looking to take down 3rd division winner
Rampage looking to finish above .500
Could be final home game in 2017/18 for Rampage
Forward Edgar Gonzalez has taken over Monterrey's scoring lead with 22 goals and 31 points. Monterrey has one of the oldest rosters in the league and even Gonzalez is 28 despite this being his rookie season. The Flash feature nine players who are at least 35 years old. The entire Rampage roster is under 30 except for 43-year old Head Coach Ante Cop who has only made one appearance. The eldest Flash player is 41-year old Carlos "Chile" Farias, who played for the Rampage in 2015/16. For the Rampage to pull off an upset they will have to capitalize on their team speed.
Players to watch: Cedar Rapids: Monterrey:Sam Guernsey (7-3-10, 27 blocks in 20 games) Edgar Gonzalez (22-9-31 in 19 games)
Gordy Gurson (28-19-47 in 21 games) Chile Farias (7-20-27 in 18 games)
Victor France (17-7-24 in 18 games) Miguel Vaca (19-6-25 in 18 games)
00Players to watch: Cedar Rapids: Monterrey:Sam Guernsey (7-3-10, 27 blocks in 20 games) Edgar Gonzalez (22-9-31 in 19 games)
Gordy Gurson (28-19-47 in 21 games) Chile Farias (7-20-27 in 18 games)
Victor France (17-7-24 in 18 games) Miguel Vaca (19-6-25 in 18 games)
Gordy Gurson was named to this week's MASL Team of the Week thanks to his 13-point weekend, including two goals and two assists in Monterrey. The Flash's Miguel Vaca also made the Team of the Week thanks to his three goals and one assist against Cedar Rapids. Vaca burned the Rampage for four goals on January 6, 2017 shortly before the Chicago Mustangs released him last season. Overall he has 19 points (12 goals, seven assists) in seven career games against Cedar Rapids.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from February 22, 2018
- Ambush Close out Season against Monterrey Sunday at Family Arena - St. Louis Ambush
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- Monterrey Flash at Cedar Rapids Rampage Game Notes/Preview - Cedar Rapids Rampage
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