There was never a dull moment in this game. From the opening kick, there was action all over the pitch and scoring chances were plentiful. Halfway through the first quarter, Jer Jer Gibson and Nate Bourdeau would get on the score sheet and give Syracuse the early lead. Kenardo Forbes would find pay dirt later in the quarter along with new Knight Garret Losee. However, Detroit would stay close thanks to goals from Ivan Campos and Danny Dragoi, making the score 4-2 Syracuse. The second quarter did not yield any goals, but did offer fans an abundance of excellent goalkeeping from both Silver Knight Bryan O'Quinn and Detroit's Dias. After the first half of play, Syracuse would lead 4-2.
Now, usually the coolest moments happen during game play in most soccer matches. However, one would happen during halftime. Dominic Scicluna, owner, coach, and player for the Waza Flo, entertained the Silver Knight faithful with a show of acrobatic ball skills right before the start of the third quarter. The fans would show their appreciation with a roaring round of applause and cheers. I would later learn from Scicluna that he was unable to play because of a lower leg injury.
The Knights looked to pull away and lock up the game early in the third quarter with goals from Forbes and Bourdeau. Detroit would not let the Knights settle into the driver's seat that easily. Costea Decu and Lenardo de Oliveira got onto the score sheet halfway through the third, keeping the Knight's lead at two goals. In the waining seconds of the quarter, Ubiparipovic would send a good strike into the back of the net to extend the Salt City lead 7-4.
The fourth quarter is where the Knight's proved they are one of the teams to beat in the MASL. After Bo Jelovac received a blue card for dangerous play just three minutes into the frame, Bryan O'Quinn became superman in net and foiled the Waza Flo power play. No matter what shot the Waza took, O' Quinn steered them away and kept them off the score sheet. When the power play was over and a time out was called, O'Quinn got fired up and had the Old Barn shaking with excitement.
"When that power play came in, I felt really good, really strong, and I was seeing the ball really well. It was a really great penalty kill and it basically ended the game from the momentum standpoint," O"Quinn said after the game.
With a cracker of a shot from Dominic Vitale and a penalty kick goal from Ubiparipovic, the Knights would close out the game and claim the 9-4 victory over the Waza Flo.
After the game, I caught up with Coach Tommy Tanner. He stated he was happy with his team's performance and looked to improve going into their next match with Dallas in a week's time.
Also after the match, Scicluna would grab the mic and address the Syracuse fan's, thanking them for coming out and encouraging them to keeping coming to the games. I also got to talk to him about his team's efforts and what he got out of the game.
"We love to play a possession style of soccer" he explained. "Syracuse gave us enough pressure to mix that up. We did have beautiful soccer out there tonight."
He also noted mistakes were the main thing that hurt his team and that he and the Waza Flo will be improving with the next couple games. Tonight, they have another huge challenge as they travel to Baltimore to face the Blast.
Scicluna also advocated for Tommy Tanner and the Silver Knights after the game. If you recall, the Syracuse Media Group published an article this past week explaining this could be the Knight's last season depending on their on-field and financial performance. (The story: http://www.syracuse.com/silver-knights/2015/11/syracuse_silver_knights_fifth_season_could_determine_whether_there_will_be_a_six.html#incart_river_index).) However, Scicluna had a major message for Syracuse, so major, it will have it's own separate article 24 hours from now. That's right, tune in tomorrow for what Scicluna had to say to Syracuse and it's inhabitants concerning the Silver Knights.
Next Saturday, November 28th, the Knights host the Dallas Sidekicks at 7pm in the War Memorial. It's Joe Papaleo Night and the Silver Knights have huge plans to honor the Syracuse soccer legend.