Silver Knights Return Home to Face Chicago
November 21, 2012 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, NY - The Syracuse Silver Knights of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) are returning home to the Oncenter War Memorial Arena this Saturday night at 7 p.m. to take on the Chicago Soul. The team is pushing to sell out the Oncenter War Memorial with its Buy one, Get one ticket free ticket special. Saturday night's contest marks the first home game for the Knights since opening weekend, with the side having completed a three-game road trip in an overtime loss to Wichita last Sunday.
With just one win in their first five games, Syracuse will be looking to rebound from a tough string of loses by avenging an opening night defeat at the hands of Chicago on November 2. Anchored by defender Nelson Santana and goalkeeper Bryan O'Quinn, the Knights performed extremely well on the defensive side of the ball in the team's initial match-up with the Soul, and have continued their strong defensive play throughout the initial stages of the season.
After being held scoreless in the Knights' opening loss to Chicago, new signing Matt Clare has emerged as one of the team's most dangerous offensive weapons, racking up 11 points in the last four games. Brazilian midfielder Elmo Marques Neto, another new addition for Syracuse, has also found an early offensive groove as he is tied for the team lead in goals with Santana and Clare at four.
Chicago, the MISL's newest expansion franchise, comes into this weekend's contest having won just one game of its first four. After winning its first game in team history at the War Memorial on opening weekend, the Soul have dropped three consecutive road contests, including a heart-breaking 18-16 overtime loss at Rochester on November 10.
Forward Carlos Muñoz leads the Soul with 14 points this season, including back-to-back fourth quarter goals to break open a 6-6 tie in the team's win against Syracuse on opening night.
SYRACUSE KEY TO VICTORY: A Silver Knights' victory on Saturday will likely be contingent on their ability to generate transition offense and finish scoring chances. Having battled in tightly contested games with the MISL's top two teams in Baltimore and Missouri, Syracuse's inability to supplement their stifling defensive play with transition scoring chances has arguably limited the team's success. Known for his stress on free-flowing offense and unselfish ball movement, Head Coach Tommy Tanner is sure to implement a collective team game-plan to kick-start the Knight's offense and pick up a much needed win on Saturday.
PLAYER TO KEEP AN EYE ON: After missing the first five games of the season, powerhouse Ukrainian striker Andriy Budnyy joins the Silver Knights after re-signing with the team earlier this week. The 30-year-old professional veteran scored the Silver Knights' first goal in team history last year and was a key component in Tommy Tanner's offense. Having played with many of the same players from last year, Budnyy should easily settle back into his role as one of the team's top playmakers and could provide a spark to the Silver Knights' offense on Saturday night.
The Knights will play at home again next Friday, November 24, when they host the Missouri Comets at 7:30 p.m. Call the Silver Knights office at 315-303-7261 for tickets.
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Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from November 21, 2012
- Soul Pick up 16-8 Loss in Rochester - Chicago Soul FC
- Rochester Lancers Bounce Back with Home Win over Chicago - Rochester Lancers
- Silver Knights Return Home to Face Chicago - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Wings Look to Build on Win against Blast - Wichita Wings
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