Syracuse Hosts Two Matches this Weekend vs. St. Louis
February 15, 2018 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
The Syracuse Silver Knights (10-7) host the St. Louis Ambush (3-16) twice this weekend at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena. The first game between the two teams is on Friday, February 16th at 7:05 p.m. The second game is on Sunday, February 18th at 4:05 p.m.
The Silver Knights come off a win in their last match against the Harrisburg Heat 8-5. Joey Tavernese recorded a hat trick to claim the Silver Knights single-season record for points (44).
The Ambush played two games last week against Kansas City and Cedar Rapids. St. Louis won against the Comets 7-6 for its first win in almost a month. The Ambush lost to the Rampage 8-7 in overtime the following day.
Here's five things to watch for this weekend's matches:
1. We've done this before, haven't we?
Syracuse and St. Louis have already played twice in one weekend earlier this season. The Silver Knights won both games by a score of 9-5 and 6-4. Tavernese recorded seven points between the two games to earn a spot in the MASL Team of the Week. Andrew Coughlin set a new career high in game two with 26 saves.
2. Keeping an eye down in Florida.
The Silver Knights enter this weekend with a half-game lead over Florida for second place in the MASL Eastern Division. The top two teams in each division move on to the Ron Newman Cup Playoffs. The Tropics have a tough task ahead of them this weekend. They host two matches against the San Diego Sockers, who have already secured first place in the MASL Pacific Division. Both Syracuse and Florida look for wins to stay ahead of one another heading into the final weeks of the MASL regular season.
3. Trying to end the season on a high note
St. Louis has struggled throughout this season, and the Ambush already find themselves eliminated from playoff contention. Including this weekend's games against Syracuse, St. Louis has three more matches to try and end the season strong. It's a tough task for the Ambush, however. As mentioned above, Syracuse has already defeated St. Louis twice, and the final game of the season for the Ambush is no easy task. St. Louis hosts the Monterrey Flash - the only undefeated team left in the MASL - in it's season finale.
4. Key members missing for game one.
Both teams on Friday will be down a key member. Kenardo Forbes for the Silver Knights has been suspended for penalty point accumulation. Pablo Da Silva has also been suspended for a strike to the head of an opponent in St. Louis' game against Cedar Rapids. Forbes is third on the Silver Knights in goals (15), assists (12), and points (27). Da Silva is tied for second on the Ambush in goals (10). He also is alone in second on the team for assists (14), points (24), and blocked shots (20).
5. Welcome Back Jerjer
Jerjer Gibson returns to the Oncenter War Memorial Arena after spending two seasons with the Silver Knights. He joined Syracuse in 2015, recording 25 goals and 11 assists with the club. He joined St. Louis in the offseason.
Fans who cannot make it to the Oncenter War Memorial Arena for the games can watch them online at MASL.tv. Tickets are still available for both games. For ticket information and more, call 315-303-7261 or log on to syracusesilverknights.com.
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Major Arena Soccer League Stories from February 15, 2018
- Let's play two: Tropics tangle with San Diego Sockers for home weekend doubleheader - Florida Tropics SC
- San Diego Visits Sunshine State - San Diego Sockers
- Wave Looking for Payback against Arch-Rival Baltimore Blast Saturday Night - Milwaukee Wave
- Rampage Sprint to the Finish Line with Four Games in Eight Days - Cedar Rapids Rampage
- Ambush Face Syracuse Twice this Weekend - St. Louis Ambush
- Blast Game Preview and Game Notes - Baltimore Blast
- Syracuse Hosts Two Matches this Weekend vs. St. Louis - Syracuse Silver Knights
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