December 28, 2019
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (December 28, 2019) -- For the first time in four years, the Rochester Lancers will play the Baltimore Blast in a Major Arena Soccer League game on Saturday night.
The Lancers, who took a hiatus from the league since 2015 and returned this season, will welcome the three-time MASL champions to the Dome Arena in Henrietta, N.Y. with a 7:05 p.m. kickoff.
Coming off a 10-5 home defeat to the Harrisburg Heat on Friday night, Rochester (0-5) is seeking its first win of the season. The Lancers came within 4-3 at 7:25 of the third quarter before the visitors pulled away.
"You see the effort is just unwavering from these guys," said Gary Boughton, who scored his first goal of the season. "They're trying to learn, trying to get better every day. We're a really close-knit team. A lot of these young guys are coming along pretty quickly. So, we've just got to keep going, be more consistent and we'll get there for these fans."
Boughton's goal was an emotional one for the Buffalo, N.Y. native. After he scored, Boughton fell to his knees as . His grandmother passed away on Tuesday, Christmas Eve.
"That was for her," he said. "I know she was watching down tonight. She was so proud. So, this was for you, grandma."
Jeremy Ortiz, Matt D'Amico, Diego Mayanga and Rafa Godoi also scored for the Lancers.
Anthony Rozzano leads the team in scoring behind his two goals and four assists. Ortiz has three goals, while Michael Cunningham, D'Amico and Godoi have two each.
The Blast (2-4), which has gotten off to a slow start, will try to get back to its winning ways. Baltimore dropped two games in the Sunshine State last weekend, lost at the Florida Tropics, 7-2, on Dec. 21 and dropping a 5-4 decision at the Orlando Seawolves on Dec. 22.
Baltimore is led by some familiar names. Vinny Dantas is the team's leading scorer on the strength of his 10 goals and three assists. He is followed by Tony Donatelli (4 goals, 6 assists), Jonatas Melo (5 goals, 3 assists) and Juan Pereira (1 goal, 6 assists).
Former Rochester Rhinos forward Andrew Hoxie has recorded two goals and two assists in five appearances this season.
Tickets are available at www.RLancers.com or at the Dome Arena box office on game night.
If you can't get to the match, you can watch on MASL.tv.
After Saturday's match, the Lancers continue their homestand next week. They will ring in the new year against the Florida Tropics on Friday, Jan. 3 before taking on the Harrisburg Heat on Sunday, Jan. 4. Both contests begin at 7 p.m.
The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. The MASL features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The MASL is currently incorporated as a 501(c)6 not for profit corporation formed to promote the business and sport of arena soccer.