BLAST DEFEAT TROPICS 5-1

by Steve Cooke

The Baltimore Blast traveled to Florida on Saturday night for an Eastern Division matchup against the Tropics. In the second matchup of the season the Blast were again victorious 5-1.

In the first half both teams came out with strong defensive play. No goals were recorded in the first quarter and the Blast defense did not allow a shot on goal. In the second quarter both teams had power play opportunities but neither team was able to find the back of the net. Blast goalkeeper, William Vanzela, recorded 3 saves in the half and the Blast and Tropics went into the locker room tied 0-0 a the half. 

The first goal of the game was recorded by Andrew Hoxie of the Blast on a powerplay. This was Hoxie’s fifth goal of the season and was assisted by Tony Donatelli. At the end of the third the Blast led 1-0. 

In the first minute of the fourth quarter the Blast recorded back to back goals. Juan Pereira recored the first goal off of Tony Donatelli’s second assist of the game. Seconds later, Jonatas Melo recorded his second goal of the season assisted by Vini Dantas. At the 6:26 mark Vini Dantas recorded his team leading sixth goal off of a penalty shot. The Tropics would get on the board with a goal from Ricardo Diegues but the Blast would answer when Tony Donatelli would convert a shootout attempt for his fourth goal of the season. At the final buzzer the Blast defeated the Tropics 5-1. 

The Blast offense was led by Tony Donatelli who recorded 2 assists and a goal on the night. The Blast had five different goal scorers in the game. Defensively, Adriano Dos Santos and Jonatas Melo recorded 3 blocks each and goalkeeper, William Vanzela, recorded 11 saves in the victory.