UTICA CITY LOOKS TO COOL OFF HEAT

Today's Game: The Utica City FC look to cool down the Harrisburg Heat. Kickoff is 2 p.m.

Last Game: Eight different players found the back of the net for Utica City which lead to a 8-5 win over the Florida Tropics on December 9, 2018. Andrew Coughlin made 11 huge saves to get the win.

Head-to-Head: This is the second meeting between these two teams. The first meeting in Harrisburg, Utica City came out on top 9-7. Joey Tavernese, Slavisa Ubiparipovic and Ben Ramin each scored two goals in the matchup with the game-winner coming off the boot of Ramin. Utica City’s Andrew Coughlin has .556 save percentage through four games while Harrisburg Heat’s William Banahene has a .588 save percentage through two games. 

Scouting the Heat: The Heat is 1-1 in the Eastern Division. In their first three games midfielder Ricardo Carvalho has lead the offense with eight points with 5 goals and 3 assists. The Heat lost to the Florida Tropics 7-5 on Friday night at the RP Funding Center. 

Defensive Battle: Both defensemen Nelson Santana of the Harrisburg Heat and Jake Schindler of the Utica City were named to the MASL Team of the Week. Santana and Schindler have been pivotal in both team’s success in the back field.

Strong Start: Utica City has won their first three out of four games. They have outscored their opponents 28 to 21 and have out shot their opponents 91 to 81. They have gone 2-0 on their home turf and while giving up only one back and forth battle on the road.

Fourth Quarter Success: Utica City has found the goal nine times in four games with 25 shots on the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter goals have helped the City win two of their four games.

Standing on Top: Utica City is in the top of the MASL Eastern Division standings currently with their 3-1 record. 

Next Game: Utica City stays home to take on the Baltimore Blast next Sunday December 30 at 2 p.m.