SOCKERS WIN 14TH STRAIGHT WITH 9-6 DEFEAT OF BLAST

Baltimore, MD – The Blast returned to Towson University SECU Arena to take on their West coast rivals’ the San Diego Sockers for the first time since January 25^th, 2020. GK Wiliam Vanzela and Nelson Santana prepared to face old teammates from when they were on loan to the Sockers during the shortened 2021 season. The Blast is 2-2 all-time vs the Sockers in the MASL. The Blast were defeated by the Sockers, 6-9.

Christian Gutierrez would open the night with a goal with a pass from Felipe Gonzalez. Lucas Roque would answer with the Blasts first of the night with an assist from Kalou, cutting the Sockers lead by one. Bouncing off Nelson Santana’s leg, Tavoy Morgan would find the back of the net with an assist from Alan Garcia. With only 3 seconds remaining in the 1^st quarter, Mitchell Cardenas would let it slip past Vanzela, giving the Sockers a 2 goal lead.  

The Blast would have a difficult time getting the ball past San Diegos’ strong defense but would keep pushing. The long-time rivalry between these two teams would prove for a high-intensity game with many heated arguments. Both Adriano Dos Santos and Felipe Gonzalez would receive 5 minutes each in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct. After Jonatas Melo took a free-kick, Nelson Santana would find the back of the net. The Blast would be trailing 2-3 at the half.

With his second of the night, Nelson Santana would start off the second half with some heat and even the score. The Blast would take the lead for the first time of the night when Kalou found the back of the net with a pass from Jamie Thomas. Lucas Roque returned with his second of the night, with an assist from Jereme Raley extending the Blast lead, 5-3. Leonardo De Olivera off a free kick would cut the Blast lead by one. Felipe Gonzalez tied it up, 5-5, with one minute remaining. With only 0.23 seconds left, Kraig Chiles found the back of the net giving the Sockers a one-goal lead into the fourth quarter.

Christian Gutierrez would open the fourth quarter with his second of the night extending the Sockers lead, 5-7. Ozzy Annang would quickly answer with an assist from Juan Pereira. Brandon Escoto would let one slip past Vanzela. The Blast would move to a sixth-attacker offense with Jonatas Melo. The Blast held strong but with 3.4 seconds left Juan Manuel Rojo took advantage of the empty net, ultimately defeating Baltimore, 9-6.

The Blast were led by Lucas Roque and Nelson Santana each with 2 goals. Goalkeeper, William Vanzela, recorded 15 saves.

The Blast travel away Sunday March 13th to the Harrisburg Farm Complex in the Equine Arena to take on Harrisburg Heat. Kickoff is at 5:05pm EST. Follow the Blast on social media for updates and contact 410-73-BLAST to order tickets or go to baltimoreblast.com.