Wings Look to Build on Win against Blast
November 21, 2012 - Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Wichita Wings News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wings of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) will welcome the undefeated Baltimore Blast to Hartman Arena Friday, November 23rd; kick-off at 7:35 p.m. (CST). This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season.
The Wings are coming off a thrilling overtime victory over the Syracuse Silver Knights, earning them their first win of the season. The Wings, led in the first half by goal scorers Andrew Hoxie and Geison, took a 4-2 lead into halftime. The second half brought on another strong defensive performance by both teams as regulation ended with the game tied at 6 apiece. Freddy Moojen delivered the deciding goal for the Wings in overtime, clinching an 8-6 victory over the Silver Knights.
The Blast, at 5-0 on the season, comes into Wichita after defeating the Rochester Lancers on the road with a fine performance down the stretch. The Blast raced out to an early 4-0 lead in the first quarter with goals by Ptah Myers and Machel Millwood. The Lancers responded with three unanswered goals, one scored by Mauricio Salles and two by Gary Boughton to take a 6-4 lead. After a back and forth battle on the scoreboard, the first half ended with both teams tied at 8 apiece. The Blast took a 12-8 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Lancers pulled to within one point with under five minutes to play by way of a 3-point goal by Jeremy Ortiz. Through the rest of the game however, the Lancers were unable to find the back of the net and the Blast pulled away with a 17-11 victory.
This will be the first of a four game series between the two clubs this season. In the 2011-2012 season, the Blast claimed a victory in both of the two matches played between Wichita and Baltimore. The first match, played in Hartman Arena, featured a close game early in the 2nd quarter as Jamar Beasley scored two quick goals, bringing the Wings back from an early 4-0 deficit. From there on, the Blast would take control with three unanswered goals granting them a 12-6 victory over the Wings. In the two team's second match of the 2011-2012 season, played in Baltimore, Bryan Perez led the Wings in scoring with 7 points off of two 2-point goals and one 3-point goal. After trailing 10-4 going into the 3rd quarter, Perez twice brought the Wings to within 3 points before the Blast pulled away for good, clinching an 18-12 victory.
Key match-ups: Baltimore's Attack vs. Wichita's Defense
Baltimore currently leads the MISL in points scored, notching a total of 82 through five games. Blast midfielder Tony Donatelli and forward Machel Millwood represent two of the top three MISL leaders in points. Wichita's defense came alive in their game against Syracuse, allowing only three goals in their 8-6 victory. The combination of the stellar play by the Wings defenders and the great effort turned in by goalkeeper, Sanaldo, provided the Wings with a stable defense that proved tough for Syracuse to break down. Thanks to the 12 shots blocked by Wings defenders, Sanaldo only faced ten shots, saving seven of them.
Player to watch: Wings Forward Freddy Moojen
Team captain, Freddy Moojen, appears to have regained the form that made him one of the Wings' top scorers last season. Moojen's positioning and hold up play as the target man up top threatened the Syracuse defense throughout their match. Moojen's effort was rewarded when he broke through defenders for the game winning goal in overtime. Look for his hard work and stellar play to continue when the Wings take on the Blast on Friday, November 23rd.
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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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