Blast fall short to Utica City 4-2, split opening weekend series
After opening up the season with a dramatic 8-7 home win against Utica City, the Blast traveled up to New York against their Eastern Conference rivals and came up short, losing 4-2.
Utica City opened up the scoring on the day in the same fashion as the first game with a Christian Segura goal. Before that, the Blast had a couple shots by Tony Donatelli, however, Utica City had full control in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a a slow, even pace for both teams in the first 11 minutes. A foul from Jamie Thomas against Logan Roberts saw Liam Callahan convert a free kick to put Utica City up 2-0. About a minute later, Christian Segura got his second on the day, an amazing goal, by catching Blast keeper, William Vanzela way off his line and chipping him from beyond midfield to put Utica City up 3-0 going into the half.
The Blast finally got on the board late in the third quarter with Vinicius Dantas putting away a scramble in the Utica City box. The three goal advantage was quickly restored as Ricardo Diegues scored almost immediately after the Blast goal to end the 3rd quarter 4-1.
The Blast would have their most offensive quarter in the 4th, outshooting Utica City 7-2. The 4th quarter would also be the quarter that saw both teams receive a Power Play. The Blast took advantage of their Power Play as the result of a penalty on Liam Callahan for holding. Dantas would convert his penalty for his second on the day and making the score 4-2. The Blast would go on to have another 4 shots on goal and even employing a 6th attacker late in the 4th but were unable to find the net anymore.
Blast keeper, William Vanzela had a busy night going against 12 shots and saving 8 of them. Both teams had a player scoring two goals with Vinicius Dantas scoring all the goals for the Blast and Christian Segura scoring his brace for the home team. They are now 1-1 on the season and 3rd in the Eastern Conference. The Blast will return home to SECU Arena for their next game against Eastern Conference rivals, Orlando Seawolves on Saturday, December 7th with a 6:05 PM start time. You can watch all Baltimore Blast games on the MASL youtube page.
