UTICA CITY MAKES MASL HISTORY

Kissimmee, FL – In its first season, Utica City FC has clinched the Eastern Division Regular Season crown with a 7-6 victory over the Orlando Seawolves. This is the first time in MASL history that the title has been taken from the Baltimore Blast. Jake Schindler and Lucio Gonzaga scored two goals apiece, and Bo Jelovac chipped in with a goal and assist.

“In preseason, we set series of “goals” that we wanted to achieve this season. Tonight, was another box checked,” said UCFC Head Coach Ryan Hall. “This is for all the players who grind it out day in and day out, the organization who took a chance on indoor soccer, and most importantly the City of Utica. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be where we are. But, make no mistake, as great as winning the regular season is, we aren’t satisfied until we bring the title back to Utica.”

“I can not be more proud of this group of guys,” said UCFC Captain Bo Jelovac. “We waited so long for this but we are not going to stop. We battled through injuries but it showed that we can count on every player on the team. We are going to rest this weekend and then on MOnday we will go back to work and get ready to beat Baltimore.”

“Tonight was a special night for all of us. Some of us have been working towards this for seven years.,” commented Captain Nate Bourdeau. “We obviously understand that there is a bigger picture in mind, winning a championship. This is a great step in the right direction. I love this team. Tonight, was for Utica!!”

The game in Orlando began when Joey Tavernese opened the scoring for City with his 20^th goal of the campaign. Schindler added his 4^th goal of the season to give the away side a 2-0 advantage after the first quarter. 

In the second quarter, Schindler doubled his goal tally with an unassisted strike to give City a 4-1 lead. The big defensive powerhouse turned defense to offense after he dispossessed Orlando and lumbered down the turf for the strike. 

Utica took a 4-1 lead into the second half.

In the third, Orlando closed the gap to 4-3 before Jelovac and Mauricio Salles gave Utica breathing room at 6-3.

Gonzaga added his second to extend the Blues' lead to 7-4 before two Orlando goals forced Utica to sweat out the final moments of the game.

Utica City will square off against the Baltimore Blast in the Eastern Division playoffs. The first game of the series is scheduled for April 20 at the SECU Arena before Utica returns to the blue turf of the Adirondack Bank Center April 22. Kick-off for the home tilt against Baltimore is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are still available at www.empirestatetix.com.

Scoring Summary