MASL Playoff Preview

BAL V FLA - 4/7/2023 - GAME 1
Ladies and gentlemen, it is finally time for the playoffs and we will have the first round of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Florida Tropics (12-7-5) and the Baltimore Blast (13-8-3) this coming Friday!

These two teams are no strangers to each other, having faced off three times this season. The Tropics managed to secure two victories in those matchups, but don't count the Blast out just yet. They've got some impressive stats to back them up, including a goal differential of +40 in the regular season - the best in the Eastern Conference. Key players like Lucas Roque, who has already scored 30 goals for the Blast, and goalkeeper William Vanzela, with a league-leading save percentage of .790, are sure to make their presence known.

The Tropics are coming into this game with some momentum, having won their last two regular season games. They'll be relying on forward Vinicius Dantas, who has scored an impressive 19 goals in just 19 regular season games. Veteran defender Drew Ruggles will also be a key player to watch. Not only has he scored 18 goals so far, but he also leads the defensive line alongside Rafa Alves and Chad Vandegriffe, with a combined total of 153 blocked opponent shots.

With both teams evenly matched and so much on the line, this game is sure to be a thrilling battle from start to finish. Tune in to see who will come out on top in the first round to be more advantageous in the next game.

CUU V MON - 4/7/2023 - GAME 1
Get ready for an electrifying match as the Chihuahua Savage (17-6-1) face off against the Monterrey Flash (13-9-2) in the first round of the Western Conference semifinals this Friday! This will be the seventh "Derby Mexicano" of the season and both teams are sure to bring their A-game.

The Savage have had the upper hand in their regular season matchups, having won an impressive four out of six games against the Flash, scoring a total of 36 goals in the process. But as we all know, anything can happen in the playoffs, and the Flash are sure to come out swinging.

Both teams are coming into this game on a two-game winning streak, and they are known for their impressive offensive ability. The Savage's attacking duo of Hugo Puentes and Edgar González have been on fire this season, netting a combined 56 goals in the regular season, with each player scoring 28 goals respectively. On the other hand, Monterrey's attacking options are more versatile and unpredictable, with six players in their squad having scored more than 10 goals this season, and Luis Genaro Castillo leading the way with 20 goals.

With so much firepower on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling match with goals and drama guaranteed. Who will come out on top and gain the advantage for the second round of the quarterfinal? You won't want to miss this one!

KC V UTC - 4/10/2023 - PLAY-IN
On Monday, April 10th, the Eastern Conference play-in will take place between the Utica City FC (13-10-1) and the Kansas City Comets (11-9-4). Utica City FC is set to make their first playoff appearance since the 2019-2020 season after a 4-3 comeback win over the Baltimore Blast on Saturday, April 1, and they will undoubtedly come out firing on all cylinders. The stakes are high, with the winner moving on to the next round and the loser's season coming to a close.

Although the two teams did not meet in the regular season, their similar strengths make for an intriguing matchup. Only one point separates them in the standings, and both teams finished their regular seasons with two consecutive wins.

Both teams boast impressive offensive prowess, with the Comets averaging 5.7 goals per game and the City FC not far behind with 5.5 goals per game. Leading the way for the City FC is their top scorer, Gordy Gurson, who has already tallied an impressive 22 goals and 19 assists.

With so much on the line, this game is sure to be a nail-biter. The Utica City FC and the Kansas City Comets will leave it all on the field, battling it out for a chance to advance in the playoffs.