Silver Knights Battle Tough But Fall Short against Baltimore Blast
January 2, 2016 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
Syracuse Silver Knights Defender Jake Schindler vs. the Baltimore Blast
(Syracuse Silver Knights, Credit: Lewis Melcher)
SYRACUSE, New York - The Syracuse Silver Knights traveled down to Baltimore Blast and came out on the wrong end of a tough Eastern Conference Battle in Royal Farms Arena. The Silver Knights would end up falling to Blast 7-4 after a back and forth matchup.
The first quarter of play saw lots of high pressure from both the Silver Knights and the Baltimore Blast. Both sides pressured clears and each goalies early and often creating opportunity chances for each side. Both William Vanzella from Baltimore and Bryan O'Quinn were able to come up with saves time and time again to keep their teams in the game and tied up.
But just 3 minutes into a wild and crazy first quarter the Silver Knights broke one loose on the Blast. After a goo clearance and chip ahead, Cory Elenio found himself 1 on 1 with Vanzella who got caught in no mans land and was beaten over his left shoulder for the first goal of the game. This was just the 5th first quarter goal the blast have given up all season. The goal was Elenio's first on the season who saw several other chances come close later in the quarter. However, minutes after Elenio's goal Dantas was able to answer with a turn-around shot and goal for himself evening the game.
The second quarter provided much more balance attack from both sides and longer possessions for each side. With the Blast and Silver Knights packing it in, scoring chances came at a slower pace. The lone goal in the 2nd quarter belonged to Pereria who was able to give the Blast the lead late in the quarter.
The Silver Knights was the highest scoring frame of the night for both sides. The Blast struck early to start the second half getting their first goal 3:06 into the frame. The Silver Knights would not go away quietly though getting back to back goals from Manfut, and Gary Boughton, newly signed former Lancer that tied the score at 3-3 with 5 minutes left to play in the third quarter.
But that would be the last bit of offense that the Silver Knights would see for the rest of the night. Two goals by the Blast ended the third quarter and put the home side up 5-3 heading into the fourth quarter with all the momentum on their side.
The momentum kept going for the undefeated Blast as they were able to get goals from Pereira and Dantas in the fourth quarter to ice things in this Eastern Conference battle. For the Silver Knights Bryan O'Quinn came up big with 10 saves but it was not enough as the Blast remained relentless on offense and would not slow down.
Stars for the game included Antonio Manfut who had 1 goal on 7 shots and a block, O'Quinn in goal with 10 saves on the night, and defender Darren Toby who saved several close calls from the Blast including one goal line stop late in the third.
The Silver Knights will return to action this Friday night, January 8th at 7:30 pm as they take on the Harrisburg Heat. The Silver Knights got the better of the two in their only previous meeting this season. Join the team after the game at Gordon Biersch to meet the team and congratulate them on a job well done. For ticket information call 315-303-7261.
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