UTICA RETURNS HOME TO BATTLE MISSISSAUGA

Today’s Game: Utica City FC returns home to take on the Mississauga MetroStars. Kickoff is at 2pm.

Last Game: Utica City defeated the Baltimore Blast 9-1 to crush Baltimore's 18-game home win streak in dominating fashion. Logan Roberts scored a first-half hat trick and goaltender Andrew Coughlin scored two goals after Baltimore pulled their goalkeeper. 

Head-To-Head: This is the second meeting between Utica and Mississauga this season. City won the only matchup so far, a dramatic come-from-behind 5-4 win back on January 11. Utica was down by one with under a minute to go before scoring two goals in 37 seconds to secure their first win north of the border.

Scouting The MetroStars: Mississauga comes in with a record of 2-9 on the season and sits in last place in the Eastern Division. They most recently fell to the Kansas City Comets 10-8 last Sunday. Molham Babouli leads the way offensively with 18 points, followed by Damion Graham with 17 points. Adrian Becic is the top goalkeeper with a record of 2-3, a 6.98 goals-against average, and a .675 save percentage. 

Home Cookin’: Utica City has been nearly impossible to beat on their home turf this season. City is 6-1 at the Adirondack Bank Center and is outscoring opponents 49-32. Additionally, Utica has scored six goals or more in five of their seven home games and only allowed more than five goals twice.

Two-Way Talent: Nate Bourdeau has made an impact on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball for The City. He is second on the team with 10 assists. Additionally, his 11 blocked shots are also the second-most on the team. The midfielder has totaled 15 points (5-10-15) in 14 games this year.

Power Trip: Joey Tavernese has been an integral part of City’s power play this season. The forward has provided a team-leading 3 power play goals, good for second-most in MASL. The forward has 23 points (14-9-23) in 14 games this season.

Big Leap: Logan Roberts has taken a huge leap this season. The defender recorded a hat trick Friday night at Baltimore and has been solid on the defensive side of the ball as well, contributing seven blocks. Roberts has a career high of six points (5-1-6) in 14 games this year.

Next Game: Utica City is back in action on February 22 for a road rematch with the MetroStars. Kickoff at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre is at 7:35 p.m. The game can be viewed on MASL.tv.