Silver Knights Downed by Blast in Season Opener
Published on November 8, 2014 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, New York -SYRACUSE, New York - The Syracuse Silver Knights (0-1, Eastern Division #4) started its 4th indoor soccer season with a loss to its Eastern Division rival, the Baltimore Blast (1-0, Eastern Division #1), 16-7 at the Royal Farms Arena.
Max Ferdinand was the impact player for the hosts, notching a hat trick on the night.
The Knights were held scoreless for the final 39:03 after going up 7-6 in the second quarter.
The game got off to a fast start and never really slowed down, with both teams battling for chances throughout. Baltimore had the match's first strike when Ferdinand scored his first of three goals, 2:17 into the first quarter. On a powerplay, the Midfielder received a pass from Tony Donatelli behind the three-point arc and quickly lashed the ball into the back of the net.
The Silver Knights fought back in the opening frame. Antonio Manfut scored Syracuse's first goal of the MASL season 2:24 into the first period. Through some nifty work on a restart, the Orange, Silver and Black took the lead. Slavisa Ubiparipovic's back heel gave Nelson Santana a clear opportunity at the top of the "D," which the Captain curled past William Vanzela on the far post.
Slav found himself on the scoresheet in the second quarter. At the 9:03 mark, Ubiparipovic fired a dart towards the Blast goal. With a rush of bodies around Vanzela's cage, the ball caught the goalkeeper flat footed and ended up in the goal.
The Orange, Silver and Black had an opportunity to extend the lead. With 6:03 to go before halftime, Kaoru Forbess picked up a foul to set up a shootout opportunity. Vanzela denied Neto on the chance by smothering the attacker at the edge of the penalty area.
Baltimore's response happened in quick succession before the end of the half. The Blast rattled off three straight scores in the final 2:30. The capper was Max Ferdinand's second goal of the game with 0:31 left in the quarter. The Haitian dispossessed Bo Jelovac in Baltimore's defensive half, muscled off Antonio Mafut and rounded Bryan O'Quinn en route for a tap in to put the hosts up 12-7.
The third quarter saw the Knights without many opportunities. Adriano Dos Santos scored the Blast's lone goal with 1:47 to go.
The game icing strike was Ferdinand's final of the night. Adauto Neto switched the field to a wide open Ferdinand for an easy finish on the far post. The hat trick goal made it 16-7 with 8:19 left in the final quarter.
The loss drops Coach Tommy Tanner's team to 2-2 in season openers. The Salt City club's other defeat came in the franchise's second season at the hands of the Chicago Soul, a 13-8 decision on November 2, 2012.
The Silver Knights will open the Oncenter War Memorial Arena against the Ontario Fury on November 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets to all Silver Knights home games will be available at the CNY Family Sports Centre, online at www.syracusesilverknights.com or over the phone at 315-300-7261.
Major Arena Soccer League Stories from November 8, 2014
- Mke Wave Wave Wins Road Opener against St. Louis - Milwaukee Wave
- Comets Defeat Mustangs in Chicago - Kansas City Comets
- Silver Knights Downed by Blast in Season Opener - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Blast Win Season Opener - Baltimore Blast
- Monterrey Flash Outlast Ontario Fury In League Opener - Ontario Fury
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