DETROIT REMAINS UNBEATEN AT HOME; DOWNS ROCHESTER 5-3
DETROIT, MI - The Waza Flo kept their home momentum rolling as they avenged last week's loss to the Rochester Lancers by a 5-3 score at the Detroit City Fieldhouse.
The Rochester Lancers came into the match after winning a hard fought battle against the Muskegon Risers the previous night but it was the Waza Flo who looked tired as the Lancers jumped out to an early two goal lead via scores from August Finn and Boomer Stiegleman. It wasn't until late in the second frame that the Flo got on the board when Rod Asliani found the back of the net to half the defecit. With under two minutes remaining in the half, Mario Morana notched his first goal of the season to tie the game at two goals apiece. Less than a minute later, Saeed Tawil gave Detroit their first lead of the match and one they would not relinquish.
The Flo exhibited their high-press style throughout the match and never fell victim to an overly defensive strategy. The Lancers looked out of sorts and their wary legs didn't help either. Ahmed Zaky capitalized on a Rochester error and increased the Detroit lead to two goals midway through the third. With over five minutes in the match Rochester opted for a 6th attacker looking to find their way back in the match. Their strategy proved fruitful when they benefited from a fortuitous Waza handball and Steigleman converted the ensuing penalty kick to give the visitors new hope down by only a goal with four minutes to play.
Waza Flo net-minder, Nate Steinwascher, had his best performance of the season as he stopped 11 of the 14 shots he faced and kept the Lancers at bay through their myriad of chances. He also found himself on the scoresheet as he helped seal the game after his outlet pass found Asliani and he fired his second goal of the match into an empty net to secure the victory.
The Lancers came into the game on top of the Eastern Division with a 3-0 record. The Waza Flo have proven that the road to a division title is going to pass through Detroit as the Lancers become the second previously undefeated team to drop their first match in the friendly confines of the Detroit City Fieldhouse.
Detroit improves to 2-3 on the season and they look to get hot at the right time as three of their next four matches come at home. They take a week off before returning to action back in Detroit on Saturday, January 26th at 5:50pm against Eastern Division bottom-dwellers, Muskegon. Tickets can be bought at www.WazaFlo.com and make sure to follow us on Facebook for all things Flo!