Between matches, the crowd got a huge jolt from a speech from Syracuse Chiefs' General Manager Jason Smorol. I swear that man can motivate anyone and make any situation a positive one. Definitely one of the best in present day sports.
It was time or Game #3. 15 minutes to decide who would head to Chesapeake Bay to face off with the Baltimore Blast. The Silver Knights kept their momentum from Game #2 and scored first, a messy but effective two point goal from Bourdeau. But then, disaster. When the Knights attempted to clear a ball from their end, Perez from the Lancers got his head to the ball. The ball headed to the net awkwardly. Bryan O'Quinn seemed to make the save, but the refs decided the ball crossed the goal line. Worse, Perez was behind the 3 point arc. And with the Knights unable to score again, the Lancers would win 3-2 and take the series win 2-1.
So, what can be taken from these games? To start, an applause to both Silver Knights and Lancers for a terrific set of matches that surely entertained thousands. This rivalry is one of the best in sports and is only going to get hotter.
As for actual game play, there is some things that may need to be input to make things better. Like in most other sports, video replay needs to be expanded. On the Lancers' winning score, the decision was made by what the refs saw with their naked eyes. However, on the jumbo-tron, it looked like O'Quinn made a tight save. I think if there were goal cams installed with replay capabilities, the refs could better study those plays and make accurate calls. Even a goal line sensor would be effective, like in the outdoor game. Another issue is scoring. I love the 2 and 3 point scoring system. It makes games exciting. On the other hand, and I hate saying it, but I think all games need to be single point scoring. It would give the league a universal scoring system and, like in games like yesterday, make it so teams don't win or lose due to different goal values. If the goals were worth a single point, like in most of the MASL, the Lancers and Knights would have tied 1-1 and would have went to a golden goal period and possible shootout.
For the Silver Knights, three cheers to them for an awesome season. They are a classy team with plenty of talent. For two straight seasons, they have made it to the playoffs and have competed in awesome series. I don't think I'm the only one saying that the Knights have a bright future ahead of them. And seeing yesterday's crowd, their popularity is growing and attendance will be skyrocketing next year. I think that next season looks promising, so opponents be warned. Come On You Knights!!!!
Author Idea: The MASL is a huge league full of competition. However, if they ever lose a team or want to expand, I think they should look to a certain Central New York area that promises a huge rivalry for the Silver Knights. Take a guess about which city I am thinking about. .....Give up? The answer, Utica. Look at how the city has embraced the Comets of the AHL. I think indoor soccer would do well there. Plus, it would give them another team from Syracuse to hate and vice versa. Just saying.
Thanks/Credit:
http://majorarenasoccer.stats.pointstreak.com/leagueschedule.html?leagueid=1289
syracusesilverknights.com
http://pointstreaksites.com/view/masl/home-page-1067
A Quick Crunch Update
Thanks/Credits:
http://syracusecrunch.com/news/2015/3/8/Crunch_0308155245.aspx