ROQUE HAT-TRICK POWERS BLAST PAST HEAT 9-4
Baltimore, MD – The Blast returned to Towson University SECU Arena to take on their rivals’ the Harrisburg Heat for the fifth time this season. The Blast are 26-8 all-time vs the Heat in the MASL. The Blast defeated the Heat, 9-4.
With their well-known keeper, Willie Banahene not in goal, Lucas Roque would start the night off getting a shot past starting Heat GK Darian Mccauley. After coming off an injury last game, Jamie Thomas returned with his first goal of the night giving the Blast a 2 goal lead. With a shot and rebound from Tony Donatelli, Mike Deasel would get possession of the ball and extend the Blast lead to three. Ibrahima “Kalou” Keita would record his first of the night. Harrisburg would cut the Blast lead by one, when Alejandro Chavez found the back of the net, with an assist from Malcolm Harris. The Blast would take the lead into the second quarter, 4 to 1. sog 13-5.
Adriano Dos Santos would open the second quarter with a goal, with a pass from Kalou. Harrisburg would receive a penalty for holding, giving the Blast a powerplay opportunity. The Heat would ultimately kill the powerplay. This would be the only goal of the 2nd quarter, leaving Harrisburg trailing at the half by 4 goals. The Blast outshot the Heat, 22 to 8.
The Heat came out strong and held possession for the first five minutes of the third quarter but would receive a penalty, allowing Juan Pereira the opportunity to record his 8th goal this season on the shootout. Matt Braem would find the back of the net with a pass from Dominic Francis giving the Heat their second goal of the night. Jereme Raley would receive a pass from Mike Deasel, recording his 6th goal of the season. Lucas Roque would return with his 2nd of the night, extending the Blast lead, 8-2. With 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Dominic Francis would find the back of the net, cutting the Blast lead by one.
Lucas Roque would return with his third of the night with a pass from Jonatas Melo. Michael Cunningham wouldn’t let that be the last for the Heat, finding the back of the net late into the fourth quarter. The Blast ultimately defeated the Heat, 9 to 4.
The Blast were led by Lucas Roque with 3 goals and Jonatas Melo, Tony Donatelli and Mike Deasel all with 2 assists. Goalkeeper, William Vanzela, recorded 8 saves.