UCFC Wins Emotional Game in Thrilling Fashion over Rival Baltimore Blast, 8-7

January 29, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Utica City FC News Release

UTICA, NY – Utica City FC battled the Baltimore Blast Sunday and added another chapter to their epic rivalry. Gordy Gurson ended the game in thrilling fashion, sealing a dramatic and emotional 8-7 win for UCFC as time expired on a penalty shootout.

The first quarter was full of action as Baltimore struck first with a goal from Moises Gonzalez a little under 2 minutes into the game. Utica found rhythm with back to back goals- Logan Roberts quickly responded for Utica City FC less than a minute after to tie the game up at 1-1. Cristhian Segura goes on to be set up by Tim Goldman to give the home team a 2-1 lead. Lucas Roque helped Baltimore tie the game up at 2-2 off a set piece with a little over 7 minutes left, finding the bottom corner off a perfectly placed pass from Jonatas Melo. Baltimore just barely outshot Utica in an enthralling 1st quarter.

Stefan Mijatovic made an immediate impact in his UCFC debut. He stayed composed, scoring for the home side to give Utica the lead 3-2 five minutes into the second quarter. Baltimore would find the net once again, this time from Moises Gonzalez 5 minutes into the second quarter. Utica continued to fire with a volley from Isak Somehow 6 minutes into the quarter. Andrew Coughlin electrified the crowd, denying a Baltimore player on a penalty shootout with two minutes remaining in the quarter. Baltimore went on to find the back of the net to take the lead before the quarter ends with a strike from Juan Pereira with 2 minutes left to play.

An explosive start to the second half with a put-back goal from Gordy Gurson scored as both teams went even 5-5. Utica outscored and outshot Baltimore 3-2 to give them the edge in the 3rd quarter as both defenses came up clutch.

The final quarter was a close battle with Utica looking to close out the game, Baltimore found themselves down by only one goal in the final quarter of play. Baltimore fought back with little under five minutes left Jonatas Melo found Ricardinho Sobreira to tie the game up at 7. Utica continued to apply the pressure, forcing a penalty in the final seconds of the game. Gordy Gurson stepped up for Utica with a composed penalty, sending the crowd into a fever pitch and wrapping up the game 8-7.

Next Sunday, February 5th, Utica City FC hits the road to take on the Milwaukee Wave and returns home against Harrisburg on February 11th. Tickets are still available at…