Rivals Meet In Harrisburg As The Batlimore Blast Visits The Heat
November 25, 2015 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Harrisburg Heat News Release
The Harrisburg Heat's two losses so far on this young season were about as different as they could be. The first on the road against Detroit they had a chance to win even though they were missing several key players in the lineup, but just couldn't close it out. In their home opener against Missouri, they kept things close in the first half, but in the second it was all Comets as the heat fell 11-1.
This Saturday at 2pm at the Farm Show Large Arena, they play their second straight home game, this time against the rival Baltimore Blast. Missouri and Baltimore are considered by many experts as teams that will make a run for league title this season.
"This part of our season is not easy for us," said Walker of his team's early schedule. "We have another top team in Baltimore coming, we all come into a season with championship aspirations, but when you play a team like that you have a chance to evaluate where you really are."
The team put out a solid effort in Detroit, but just couldn't hold the lead in an 8-7 loss. "We didn't finish off that game with a positive attitude like we should have," said Walker.
"We have to do whatever we have to, to make sure that doesn't become a regular occurrence."
Walker was disappointed in his team's execution in it's 11-1 loss against the Comets.
"Guys worked hard but they didn't work smart," said Walker of his team's performace against Missouri. "I think we'll bounce back."
The rivalry between these two clubs has been intense over the years. Often referred to as the I-83 rivalry, the close proximity certainly has something to do with it, but it's also much more than both fan bases being able to travel back and forth to both venues. The competition between these two storied frachises is akin to the Yankees and Red Sox, one of the things that make this rivalry so heated is the number of players who have played for both clubs.
Coach Walker has his place in the Blast Hall of Fame, current Baltimore bench boss Danny Kelly's old jersey hangs inside the Heat offices. The anals of this matchup are littered with players like Dewan Bader who know both sides. That is one reason why fans on both sides of this matchup circle this date whether it is home or away.
Offensively so far the Heat have been led by Kenny Fultz and Chris Hall, each with two goals on the young season. Tim Mehl has seen almost all of the action at keeper sporting a 9.79 GAA heading into the contest.
The Blast come in sporting a 3-0 record. Vini Dantas leads the Blast with eight tallies. William Vanzela is the Blast keeper with a league leading 1.67 GAA. Newly aquired Heat forward Adauto Neto is listed as doubtful for the game due to an injury suffered with the US Futsal team.
Neto played alongside Lucio Gonzaga last season with the Blast, Gonzaga, joined Neto in signing with the Heat in the offseason.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from November 25, 2015
- Rivals Meet In Harrisburg As The Batlimore Blast Visits The Heat - Harrisburg Heat
- Ambush Play at Home, on Road This Weekend - St. Louis Ambush
- Hoxie and Vanzela Team of Week Honorable Mention - Baltimore Blast
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