Syracuse Faces Baltimore in First Round of Ron Newman Cup Playoffs
March 7, 2018 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
The Syracuse Silver Knights (13-9) play the Baltimore Blast (17-5) in the first round of the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs. The Silver Knights look for their first championship in franchise history.
Both teams played each other last week in the regular season finale on Sunday. Syracuse defeated Baltimore 6-4 for its first win against Baltimore this season.
Here are five things to watch for in the first round of the playoffs:
1. The Big Serbian
Bo Jelovac led the way for Syracuse against the Blast on Sunday. The Serbian recorded three goals and two assists on Sunday. Jelovac finished the regular season with 13 goals and 13 assists, both career highs. He looks to continue the production offensively for the Silver Knights.
2. Batteries Recharged
Baltimore played Sunday's match without Vinicius Dantas, Andrew Hoxie, and Juan Pereira. The trio has combined to score 48 goals for Baltimore this season. Blast Head Coach Danny Kelly decided not to bring those three to Syracuse on Sunday and rest them for the playoffs. As such, Baltimore looks very different for the playoffs compared to Sunday's game.
3. Back-to-back... to back?
Baltimore has won nine indoor soccer championships in franchise history. The last two have come in back-to-back years against Sonora. The Blast expect nothing but a championship and look primed to start another championship run.
4. It's Been a Minute
Syracuse missed the playoffs last season, finishing with an 8-12 record. This year marks the fourth time in franchise history that the Silver Knights have made the playoffs. Syracuse hasn't made it to the championship game yet, but this year's Silver Knights squad seems ready.
5. Playoffs?
For those who don't know how the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs work, here's a rundown. The two teams in each division play a two-game series this weekend. If both teams win one game, a 15-minute mini-game will be played after the conclusion of game 2. The winners then play in the conference finals, which is a one game series. The winners of the conference finals play a one game series for the Ron Newman Cup. Home field is determined by the team with the better regular season record.
Game one is set for Thursday, March 8th at 7:05 pm at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. Game two is set for Sunday, March 11th at 5:05 pm. Fans who cannot make it to the games can view them online at MASL.tv. 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 7, 2018
- Cedar Rapids Rampage vs. Milwaukee Wave Central Division Finals Preview - Cedar Rapids Rampage
- Sockers Open Ron Newman Cup Playoffs on Thursday in Tacoma - San Diego Sockers
- Raphael Cox Named to MASL Team of the Week - Tacoma Stars
- Major Arena Soccer League Institutes Video Replay - MASL
- Syracuse Faces Baltimore in First Round of Ron Newman Cup Playoffs - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Blast Game Preview 3/8: Eastern Division Final- Game One - Baltimore Blast
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