February 19, 2023 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) – Baltimore Blast News Release
TOWSON, Md. – The Baltimore Blast defeated the Harrisburg Heat 7-1, with goalkeeper William Vanzela recording a near-shutout.
Lucas Roque led the way with two goals and two assists, while Jonatas Melo recorded one goal and one assist.
The game started slow, with no scoring at the official’s timeout with 4:48 remaining in the first quarter. The timeout came as Baltimore’s Juan Pereira and Harrisburg’s Dominic Francis each picked up a blue card at the same time for contact above the head.
Baltimore got on the board first during the four-on-four after converting on a breakaway. Roque and Melo had a two-on-one, and Roque sent the ball towards Melo, who put it in the back of the net. The quarter ended with the Blast up 1-0.
The second goal of the night came early in the second quarter, and featured Melo assisting on a goal by Roque. The Blast took a 2-0 lead with 14:43 remaining in the second quarter. Pereira scored an unassisted goal for the Blast with 10 minutes left in the half.
A minute later, Max Ferdinand scored to give the Blast a four-goal lead. Pereira picked up the assist on the power play goal. The first half ended with the Blast leading 4-0.
Blast goalkeeper William Vanzela recorded eight saves during the shutout half, while the offensive output was very balanced. Four different players scored goals, and three different players recorded assists. Roque, Ferdinand and Melo recorded a goal and an assist in the first half.
The third quarter was scoreless for the first 12 minutes before Ferdinand netted a shot off the assist from Jamie Thomas. The third quarter ended with the Blast winning 5-0.
The Heat scored their first goal of the game early in the fourth quarter. Danny DiPrima scored with Elton de Oliveira recording the assist. The goal cut the Blast lead to 5-1. The Blast responded with just over seven minutes left in the game, as Roque crossed the ball into the box and Tony Donatelli put it into the back of the net.
With under five minutes remaining in the game, Roque netted his second goal of the night on the assist by Melo, who picked up his second assist of the evening.
The game ended with the Blast taking the win, 7-1. The team returns to action on Feb. 25 when they travel to Harrisburg to take on the Heat.
MASL Match Report 2/19/23
Harrisburg Heat @ Baltimore Blast: SECU Arena
Kickoff: 5:05 p.m. ET
Scoring Summary:
Quarter 1 2 3 4 F
Harrisburg 0 0 0 1 1
Baltimore 1 3 1…