Silver Knights Fall Again to 2nd Place Blast
Published on January 20, 2013 under Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Knights fell to the Blast again Sunday afternoon, 27-13. The Knights gave up a season high 27points, and were unable to grab the momentum back after giving up some early goals.
With a booming crowd of 4,567 fans on their side, the Syracuse Silver Knights looked to avenge their OT loss last Friday and even up their home field record on the season.
The Knights got off to a rough start. The Blast took a "keep-away" approach, maintaining possession with short, frequent passes, and scored four close-range goals within the first four minutes of play.
Despite a tough beginning, the Syracuse faithful lived up to their name and the Oncenter War Memorial Arena was still lively and hopeful. The Knights had a couple hard shots on goal, but could not find the back of the net. After a series of impressive saves from Bryan O'Quinn and his defenders, the Knights could not quite clear the ball and J.T. Noone scored off a ricochet, making the deficit 10-0.
The Knights, with some help from the crowd, kept their energy up and a counter-attack breakaway put the Knights on the board. Andriy Budnyy finished a 1 v.1 effort with a beautifully placed corner shot. This was Budnyy's 9th goal on the year, and gave the Knights some much needed fire.
Syracuse broke into a high-energy style of play after the score. A hard Baltimore foul gave Syracuse a power play, and the Knights took advantage of the opportunity. Neto blasted his 28th goal of the year, a 3-pointer with less than a minute left in the quarter, cutting their lead, 10-5.
The Knights seemed to settle down in the second quarter, and played Baltimore very evenly. Syracuse picked up their defense, which was highlighted by O'Quinn's lightening reflexes. He shut down two breakaway attempts with outstanding saves, keeping the crowd upbeat and in the game. As the first half drew to a close, the Blast found a final score, off the foot of Tony Donatelli. The Knights had some work to do, heading back into the break trailing 12-5.
Going into the 2nd half, Syracuse had plenty of ground to make up. Out with an ankle injury Silver Knights midfielder Jamar Beasley did not play in this match. The Knights' transitional game suffered because of his absence. Baltimore started out the half, just as they had started out the game, by scoring 4 times in the first six minutes of play. Still, the Knights rallied to catch-up. With less than a minute left in the third, Santana settled the ball coming off the boards, and found Neto's foot with a perfect cross, cutting the lead 21-7 heading into the final quarter.
The Knights started off the final period with an offensive run, just what they needed. Just 8 seconds in, Syracuse's Ryan Pierce grabbed his first goal of the year. Pierce rocketed a shot from beyond the arc, and followed his rebound, pounding the ball into the ceiling of the goal. Three minutes later, Slavisa followed suit. Andriy Budnyy's step over move got the goalie off balance, and a quick pass to Slavisa cut the lead 21-11. The Blast responded, netting three more goals throughout the frame to erase the Knights' last quarter run. Syracuse gave up 27 points, their season high.
The Knights finish out their home stand next Friday, February 1st at 7:30 p.m. They will rematch the Blast at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena, one of only three home games remaining on the season. For tickets call 315-303-7261 and support the team on Camo Jersey Night.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from January 20, 2013
- Wings Travel to Chicago to Take on Soul - Wichita Wings
- Silver Knights Fall Again to 2nd Place Blast - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Comets Rout Lancers on Retro Night - Kansas City Comets
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