December 29, 2024 – Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Harrisburg Heat press release
The Harrisburg Heat faced a tough challenge against Utica City FC, ultimately falling 12-5 in a high-scoring game. The game started early in the first half with Utica’s Sergio Pinal opening the scoring. Harrisburg quickly equalized through Dominic Francis, assisted by Malcolm Harris, before Utica’s Juan Alava restored the lead. The back-and-forth continued as Harrisburg’s Joshua Dimatteo, assisted by Mike Da-Silva, tied the game again at 2-2 before the end of the first period.
In the second period, an offensive explosion occurred as both teams traded blows. Utica went ahead 4-2 on goals from Nate Bourdeau and Emmanuel Belliard. The Heat responded valiantly with a strike from Zach Perry and a second goal from Dominic Francis to tie the game at 4-4. But Utica’s Kelvin Oliveira and Gordy Gurson struck in the second half to push the score to 6-4 heading into halftime.
Utica took control in the third period when Kelvin Oliveira added his second goal and Nilton de Andrade extended the lead to 8-5. Harrisburg’s Joey Tavernese managed to cut the deficit to 8-5, but a penalty on Harrisburg’s Maxi Schenfeld allowed Utica to keep the momentum going. Oliveira completed a hat trick in the bottom of the third inning, widening the gap to 9-5.
The final period belonged entirely to Utica City FC, with Gordy Gurson, Ronaldinho Diniz and Nilton de Andrade scoring their second goals of the night. Led by Kelvin Oliveira, who had four goals and several assists, Utica’s relentless offensive effort proved too much for Harrisburg to overcome. Next weekend, the Heat heads to Texas for a back-to-back matchup. They are scheduled to face the Dallas Sidekicks on Saturday, January 4th and the Texas Outlaws on Sunday, January 5th. The team will aim to bounce back and regain momentum on this important road trip.
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