Silver Knights Advance in Ron Newman Cup Playoffs
March 5, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
Syracuse Silver Knights Goalkeeper Bryan O'Quinn Prepares to Distribute the Ball
(Syracuse Silver Knights)
SYRACUSE, New York - The Syracuse Silver Knights (11-9, Eastern Division #2) knocked out the Detroit Waza Flo (9-9, Eastern Division #3) 5-3 from playoff contention. Tommy Tanner's side now plays the division rival Baltimore Blast in the second round of the MASL playoffs.
Early in the first quarter, Syracuse got on the board first. Kenardo Forbes made a move on the right side of the attacking zone and then slithered into the middle before sliding a pass to Jer Jer Gibson who slotted home. Gibson's goal came with just under 13 minutes to play in the opening quarter and put the Knights up 1-0.
With five minutes to play in the first quarter the Waza Flo struck back to tie the game. Leonardo de Oliveira collected the ball at the top of the defense shuffled his feet to the right and then struck a low shot passed Bryan O'Quinn evening up the score at 1-1.
Late in the first quarter the Knights regained the lead through Gibson once again. The forward tapped the ball over the head of Detroit goalie Rafael Dias and then one-timed his strike home after it had caromed off of the boards. That goal gave the Knights a 2-1 lead.
In the second quarter the Knights doubled their advantage. Kenardo Forbes ripped a shot off of a set piece in the middle, which was palmed away by Dias. The ball fell right into the lap of Darren Toby though. The defender poked in his shot on the goal line to put the Orange, Silver and Black up by two, 3-1.
Later in the first half, the Waza Flo got a goal back. Miki Djerisilo scored an elegant chip after cutting inside on his left foot and beating two defenders. That goal cut Syracuse's lead to just one goal putting the score at 3-2.
Following a scoreless third quarter, Doug Miller deflected in a beauty for the Knights in the fourth. The ex-MASL manager got his foot on a Jake Schindler drive right on the doorstep to score. Miller's first MASL playoff goal extended the Knights' lead back to two, 4-2.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Waza Flo replaced Dias with a sixth attacker down two goals. Detroit kept the majority of possession, but with 90 seconds to play Syracuse took advantage of Detroit's lack of a goalie and Bo Jelovac scored on a break away. That goal put the Orange, Silver and Black up 5-2.
After the game Syracuse goalie Bryan O'Quinn credited his preparation for the big win.
"I was seeing the ball well, I watched a lot of tape on these guys. Both of the free kick saves that were headed for the upper corner repeats of what I've seen over and over again so I was able to anticipate those moves."
O'Quinn discussed Syracuse's next opponent, the Baltimore Blast after the win.
"It's a different style of play. Baltimore plays a much more systematic style, they play a little slower paced game than Detroit does...Baltimore's going to get chances off of their defense."
The Salt City club now takes on the Baltimore Blast in the second round of the MASL playoffs in a three game series. Next Friday the Knights travel to Baltimore to play the Blast (15-4, #1 Eastern Division) for game one. Syracuse is 1-3 against Baltimore this year.
The next chance to see the Silver Knights in action at home comes Sunday, March 13, as the Orange, Silver and Black host the Baltimore Blast at the War Memorial for Game Two and then potentially game three of the second round series. Playoff tickets are selling fast. To become a Silver Knights Supporter call their office at 315-303-7261 and get your tickets today!
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