Utica City Hosts Baltimore Blast Today

 

A LOOK BACK AT THE OPENER: The crowd at the Adirondack Bank Center was electric as Utica City FC hosted the Florida Tropics to open the 2021-22 slate. Florida jumped out to a hot start, and cruised to a 7-1 win for their second straight victory. Florida opened the game with four consecutive goals, but Utica tried to rally. Nate Bourdeau caused an eruption on the Blue Turf. He scored off a rebound to make it 4-1, and the city was rocking. Utica City outshot Florida 30-27 including 12-4 in the 4th quarter, but ultimately lost 7-1. 

BOURDEAU BURRIES ONE: In his 10th professional season, Nate Bourdeau scored the opening goal of the 2021-22 slate for UCFC. He has now scored 80 goals in his professional career including 24 with Utica City. Bourdeau played in his 165th professional indoor game on Sunday, and will lead the team as a co-captain with Bo Jelovac throughout the season.

SCOUTING THE BLAST: Baltimore comes to Utica having already shared an opponent with UCFC. The Blast met the Florida Tropics for their season opener on Saturday, December 4th. Baltimore lost 6-4 at home. Lucas Roque had two goals for the blast, and Jonatas Melo added two assists. Goalkeeper William Vanzela stopped 14 of 19 shots against him.

LONG TIME NO SEE: This will be the first meeting between Baltimore and Utica City since December 29th, 2019. Utica City scored two goals in the 4th quarter to cut Baltimore’s lead to 5-4, but could not get the equalizer. That game featured two goals from Utica City forward Moises Gonzalez. Gonzalez is on the roster once again, but did not see time in the season opener. For Baltimore, Andrew Hoxie had two goals and an assist.

Tickets are still available at uticacityfc.com/tickets.