BLAST COME FROM BEHIND FOR 5-4 WIN OVER SAVAGE
Baltimore, MD (April 8th, 2022) – In their 30th playoff appearance, the Baltimore Blast returned to Towson University SECU Arena for their first MASL quarterfinal playoff game against Chihuahua Savage. The Blast defeated Savage, 5-4.
Chihuahua started off the night with a powerplay goal by Edgar Gonzalez with an assist from Erick Ponce. A few seconds later the Blast would have a powerplay opportunity of their own, but the Savage would successfully kill the play. Chihuahua would take the lead into the second quarter by one.
Both teams battled multiple powerplays during the second quarter but ultimately neither team would capitalize on the plays. The Blast had a difficult time against Savage’s high-pressure defense and struggled to get into a good rhythm and create goal opportunities. Baltimore goalkeeper William Vanzela kept the Blast in the game with his remarkable performance and incredible saves, maintaining the one-goal lead for Chihuahua for the majority of the first half. With only 39 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Enrique Canez would get a fast break and find the back of the next, extending the Savage lead by one. Chihuahua outshot the Blast 20 to 13 in the first half.
Erick Ponce would open the second half with a goal, extending the Savage lead, 3-0. After a scoreless first half for Baltimore, Lucas Roque would find the back of the net after receiving a pass from Jonatas Melo on the restart. Lucas Roque would return with his second of the night with a cross goal pass from Vini Dantas, cutting the lead to one. William Vanzela strategically came out of goal, allowing the Blast to gain numbers up field. Vanzela would send a pass around the boards to Jonatas Melo with Lucas Roque waiting to finish it, recording his third goal of the night. The entire atmosphere of the game changed, from the energy of the players to the deafening sounds of excitement that filled the SECU Arena. Both teams headed into the fourth quarter tied, 3-3.
Chihuahua would answer early into the fourth quarter when Eduardo Garay recorded his first goal of the night. Taking advantage of the powerplay, Vini Dantas would make a move towards the goal, finding Nelson Santana on the far post ready to finish it and tie it up, 4-4. The Blast would take their first lead of the game when Lucas Roque returned with his fourth goal of the night with an assist from Juan Pereira. After a slow first half, the Blast brought back the energy and secured a 5-4 win against Chihuahua Savage.
The Blast were led by Lucas Roque with 4 goals and Jonatas Melo and Vini Dantas with 2 assists. Goalkeeper, William Vanzela, recorded 19 saves.
The Blast travel to Mexico for their second round of playoffs against Chihuahua Savage at the Arena Corner Sport on Monday, April 11th. Follow the Blast on social media for updates and contact 410-73-BLAST to order tickets or go to baltimoreblast.com.
Attendance: 1,447