UTICA CITY BATTLES CANADA IN PRESEASON ACTION

Today’s Game: Utica City FC takes on Canada in a friendly International Matchup. Kickoff at the Adirondack Bank Center is at 2pm.

About Canada: Canada consists of members of the MASL’s MetroStars Canada as well as other futsal and soccer players in Ontario. The team is highlighted by star players Mo Babouli and Damion Graham. Babouli recorded 36 points (21-15-36) last season, while Graham notched 31 points (19-12-31). 

Dynamic Duo: New acquisitions Moises Gonzalez and Diego Zuñiga will be a pair to keep an eye on for Utica City. Gonzalez posted 30 goals and 44 points last season with the Rio Grande Valley Barracudas. He is also fresh off a WMF World Cup Championship with Mexico, where he was named Tournament MVP. Zuñiga also played with RGV last season, scoring 22 goals in 24 games for the Barracudas. In 2017, Zuniga won the Golden Ball award for best player in CONCACAF futsal. 

MoMo’s Debut: Uroš Momic spent the 2018-19 season on Utica City’s practice squad and is now ready to make his official arena debut. General Manager Tommy Tanner said Momic is a very technical player with an ability to beat players off the dribble. He most recently played outdoor with the Rochester Lancers in the NPSL, scoring five goals in 12 matches.

Core Returners: Even with a plethora of fresh faces, the core from last year’s team still remains intact. Andrew Coughlin returns to the goal after a career best 17-6-1 record and a 4.74 goals-against average. MASL Defender of the Year Darren Toby and his partner-in-crime Jake Schindler return to Utica’s back line along with Ben Ramin and Logan Roberts, Utica’s Breakout Player of the Year last season. Liam Callahan and Nate Bourdeau return to the midfield where the two combined for 25 goals and 45 points. Captain Bo Jelovac looks to build on a career season up front. The big man posted 20 goals and 32 points in 20 games last season.

Post Game: Stick around after the match to meet the team down on the turf and get your gear autographed. Enter the turf by heading to the staircase directly across from the Horton Room.

Next Game: Utica City opens up the regular season Friday, November 22 on the road against the Baltimore Blast. Kickoff at SECU Arena is at 7:35 p.m. The game can be viewed at 72 Tavern and Grill or on MASLtv. The team returns back to the Adirondack Bank Center on Sunday, November 24 for the home opener of their second season. Fans will not want to miss this game! Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office. (315-790-9070 or www.empirestatetix.com)