Rampage Shoot For 4th Straight Win, Host La RaZa On Saturday
Published on January 29, 2010 under Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Rockford Rampage News Release
ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Major Indoor Soccer League-leading Rockford Rampage attempt to extend their winning streak to four games when they take on La RaZa de Monterrey at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the MetroCentre.
Entering the weekend, the Rampage lead the MISL with a 6-4 record, with La RaZa trailing by a half game at 6-5.
The Rampage are coming off their first victory against the Philadelphia KiXX this season, a 22-12 road win on Saturday, Jan. 23. Rockford had dropped its three previous games against Philadelphia this season. Monterrey jumped ahead of Milwaukee in the MISL standings with a 15-8 win over the Wave on Sunday, Jan. 24.
Earlier this season, Rockford defeated Monterrey, 9-4, on Dec. 20, 2009, at the MetroCentre. The four points allowed represents Rockford's strongest defensive performance of the season. In that match, Monterrey held a 4-3 lead in the first quarter, but the Rampage scored six unanswered points -- led by Semir Mesanovic's two goals -- to take home the victory.
"We need to limit our mistakes, and those typically come at the top of the (three-point) arc or set pieces," Rampage head coach Jeff Kraft said. "Seldom have guys beaten us one-on-one. Monterrey's been on the rise, and we always battle tough with them."
If Rockford earns a victory Saturday, it would mark the Rampage's first four-game winning streak in the organization's National Indoor Soccer League and MISL history. Last season in the NISL, Rockford had two three-game winning streaks, including its final three regular season matches to advance to the playoffs against La RaZa.
With the team's recent success, the Rampage have earned some league accolades. On Monday, midfielder Geison Moura was named MISL Player of the Week for his two-goal, one-assist effort against Philadelphia. The week before, goalkeeper Ante Cop took the honor.
"I think Geison's just a good player all-around," Kraft said. "We gave him a chance to play and have a starting shift, and he's excelled at it. He knows what it takes, and his performance has shown. You can see it statistically."
- Battle of the Badges: Before the Rampage vs. La RaZa match, watch the Rockford Fire Department and Rockford Police Department battle on the field in a scrimmage, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $9, with $1 from each ticket going toward the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross local Disaster Relief Fund. The ticket price includes both the Battle of the Badges scrimmage and the Rampage match.
- Special guests and auction: This Saturday, the Rampage are bringing in two special guests for the Rampage vs. La RaZa festivities. They are Misael Espinoza, a former Mexican National Team player, and David Diaz, a former lightweight boxing champion who recently defeated Jesus Chavez last September in Chicago. Two items will be up for a silent auction to benefit the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross's Emergency Relief Fund -- a signed Mexican National jersey and a signed pair of boxing gloves.
- New MISL rules: On Wednesday, the MISL implemented two rules regarding goalkeeper distribution. The changes immediately take effect this weekend. A goalkeeper is now able to throw the ball from inside his own defensive third of the field, across his defensive yellow line, the midfield line and the offensive yellow line. Additionally, he is now able to kick the ball from his own defensive area, across his defensive yellow line and the midfield line. "The enhancements we've made to our rules are designed to raise the level of excitement, showcase our talented players and increase goal scoring opportunities," MISL Commissioner David Grimaldi said. "Our teams were unanimous in supporting these positive changes."
Rampage notes for Saturday:
- Familiar faces: Rampage defender Fabinho played for Monterrey La Raza of the World Indoor Soccer League. In 2000, Fabinho and current La RaZa head coach Mariano Bollella were teammates as they earned the WISL championship title. Bollella was the WISL Most Valuable Player that season.
- Cop running the show: Rampage backup goalkeeper Ante Cop has stepped up in Rockford's past two matches, earning victories over the Milwaukee Wave and Philadelphia KiXX. He has saved 27 of 36 shots while earning MISL Player of the Week honors in his first MISL start at Milwaukee on Jan. 17. Cop has filled in for regular starter Danny Waltman, who is out for the next six to eight weeks with a knee injury he suffered on Jan. 16 against the Wave. "Ante's been here for five years and he brings everything -- character, hard work, determination," Kraft said, referring to Cop's previous Rampage years in the American Indoor Soccer League. "He's stepped in for Danny and has done a great job. He studies the game. He's a walking encyclopedia. And the guy's got the biggest heart."
- Making their points: Rampage midfielder and captain Matthew Stewart leads Rockford with 10 goals and 26 points. Stewart's 26-point total ties for fourth among the MISL's scoring leaders heading into the weekend. He is putting together a solid January with seven goals, three assists and 17 points in five games.... Carlos "Chile" Farias is leading La RaZa with nine goals and 29 points. Farias' point total ranks second in the league behind Milwaukee's Marco Terminesi (35).
The Rockford Rampage are members of the Major Indoor Soccer League and play their home games at the MetroCentre. Rampage tickets for the 2009-2010 MISL season are on sale. Log on to www.RockfordRampage.com or call the Rampage at (779) 423-1082. Individual game tickets are available at www.MetroCentre.com or by calling (815) 968-5222.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from January 29, 2010
- Rampage Shoot For 4th Straight Win, Host La RaZa On Saturday - Rockford Rampage
- Wave Weekend Preview - Milwaukee Wave
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