Syracuse Closes out Regular Season with Playoff Preview vs Baltimore
March 2, 2018 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
The Syracuse Silver Knights (12-9) close out their regular season against the Baltimore Blast (17-4) on Sunday, March 4th, at 4:05 p.m. It's Green Jersey Day at the War Memorial Arena.
The Silver Knights look to rebound after two losses last weekend to Harrisburg and Milwaukee. The defeats mark the sixth and seventh time this season that the Silver Knights have lost by one goal.
The Blast secured the MASL Eastern Division Title with wins over Milwaukee and Florida last weekend. Baltimore's victory over Florida allowed Syracuse to clinch a playoff spot.
Here are five things to look out for in the regular season finale for the Silver Knights:
1. Playoff Preview
Both the Blast and the Silver Knights are locks to play in the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs this season. Baltimore looks to become back-to-back-to-back MASL Champions, while the Silver Knights look to reach the championship game for the first time in franchise history. The two clubs meet each other in the first round of the playoffs, which begin on Thursday, March 8th, at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena.
2. One-goal madness
Syracuse and Baltimore have played in four-straight one goal games dating back to last season. Three of those four game have gone into overtime. Unfortunately for the Silver Knights, the Blast have come away victorious in all four of those contests.
3. Loss of offensive pressure
Syracuse must play Sunday's game without the services of Slavisa Ubiparipovic. The Bonsian is suspended for the match due to penalty point accumulation. Ubiparipovic is second on the team in goals (23), assists (16), and points (39). In the last game the Silver Knights played against the Blast, Ubiparipovic had two goals and two assists. His offensive pressure will be missed against Baltimore.
4. Defense wins championships
Throughout its history, Baltimore has been known as one of the best defensive organizations in the league. The same can be said for this season. The Blast is third in the MASL in goals allowed this season, only behind Monterrey and San Diego. Syracuse needs to be clinical offensively on Sunday, as there won't be many chances against Baltimore.
5. Lucky number 13
Syracuse goes for history on Sunday. The most wins during a regular season for the Silver Knights has been 12, which Syracuse achieved in the 2013-14 season and the 2014-15 season. With a 12-9 record right now, the Silver Knights have one more chance to eclipse the 13 win mark for the regular season.
Fans who cannot make it to the Oncenter War Memorial Arena can watch the game online at MASL.tv. After Sunday's match, Syracuse and Baltimore play each other once again on Thursday, March 8th, at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena for the first round of the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs. For tickets and more information, call 315-303-7261 or log on to syracusesilverknights.com.
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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from March 2, 2018
- Syracuse Closes out Regular Season with Playoff Preview vs Baltimore - Syracuse Silver Knights
- MASL Announces 2018 Divisional Championship Schedules - MASL
- Blast Game Preview and Game Notes - Baltimore Blast
- Florida Tropics SC Close out 2017-18 Season with Road Stops in Milwaukee and Kansas City - Florida Tropics SC
- Kansas City Comets Look to Finish Season Strong - Kansas City Comets
- Stars Clinch Ron Newman Cup Playoff Spot - Tacoma Stars
- Fury Season Ends with 8-4 Loss - Ontario Fury
- Sockers Eliminate Ontario from the Postseason in 8-4 Road Victory - San Diego Sockers
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