Syracuse Set for MISL Playoffs
February 19, 2014 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Syracuse Silver Knights News Release
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - It wasn't just a rivalry win, it was a franchise altering one. The Syracuse Silver Knights' victory against the rival Rochester Lancers on Saturday night clinched the club's first playoff appearance.
The Silver Knights will play a home game on Friday, March 7th, 7:30 pm, at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena followed by a road fixture between March 10th-12th depending on their opponent. Syracuse is will play either Milwaukee Wave or the Baltimore Blast. Both rounds are "Best of 3" with the 3rd game being a mini match played for 15 minutes immediately after the conclusion of Game 2.
In the first two years of existence, the Salt City club was on the edge of postseason play despite a 17-33 record across two seasons. Chicago bested Syracuse by three games in last year's edition of the MISL playoffs. Head coach Tommy Tanner was more than happy to finally break through.
"I told my guys before the game [on Saturday] that we're this close to the playoffs, we don't want to back into the playoffs," Tanner said. "It was difficult because it's always difficult in Rochester, but we found a way to pull it out."
Even with misery in their history, the Silver Knights came in to the 2013-2014 season with high expectations. Year three of the franchise saw players adjust to the indoor game.
"The guys have done a terrific job this year. They've been extremely focused. They've worked extremely hard, and it has shown in all of the games that we've played this year," The third-year head coach praised.
Kenardo Forbes and Machel Millwood have provided the Orange, Silver and Black with one of the league's most dynamic duos. Forbes is third in total-goals with 19 while Millwood is second in assists with 18. The two provide the Knights with a potent one-two punch, combining for 106 points.
"What Machel has brought into this team is a leadership role and people listen to him. He's won championships in this league and he brings a defensive mentality to this team," Tanner said. "If we're going to win this championship, it's through defense."
"Kenardo has blossomed into the player I thought he would be when we signed him in year one. He's one of the top two or three midfielders in the league."
Still, the job isn't done for Syracuse. The club faces the league's stingiest defensive team, the Baltimore Blast on Saturday before a two-game home stand against the Pennsylvania Roar and Rochester Lancers to finish off the campaign.
"We want to go into the playoffs winning. We want to be on a winning note and playing our best soccer and I think we will be," Tanner said.
If the Silver Knights advance past the Semifinal round, the MISL Championship Games will be played March 13th-16th with the higher seeded team having the first selection of the date for the game they will host.
Season ticket holders have the first right to choose their current seats up to February 21st but need to purchase both rounds of the Playoffs. After February 21st all unpaid season ticket holder seats will be released. Seating priority will be made when orders and payments are received based on purchaser's request and seat availability at that time. Fans will receive credit towards their 2014-15 Season Tickets for any Playoff tickets purchased for games not played.
The Syracuse Silver Knights return home this Sunday, February 23rd for their Green Jersey Event. The Silver Knights will wear a specialty Green Jersey to benefit the 2014 Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade. The jerseys will be auctioned off immediately following the game. The following Sunday, March 2nd is the Specialty Pink/Teal Jersey Game. This game will benefit Breast Cancer & Ovarian Cancer. The Silver Knights will be auctioning off their game worn jerseys immediately following the game. Proceeds will go to Hope for Heather and the Crouse Health Foundation.
For Information and tickets call the Syracuse Silver Knights office and 315-303-7261.
Major Indoor Soccer League Stories from February 19, 2014
- Comets Busy Before Roster Freeze Date - Kansas City Comets
- Lancers to Unveil 1970 Championship Banner Sunday - Rochester Lancers
- Syracuse Set for MISL Playoffs - Syracuse Silver Knights
- Rochester Looks to Sweep Season Series Against Roar - Rochester Lancers
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