UTICA WRAPS UP TWO-GAME ROAD TRIP IN HARRISBURG

Today’s Game: Utica City finishes up a two-game road trip against the Harrisburg Heat. Kickoff at the PA Farm Show Arena is at 5:05 p.m.

Last Game: Three consecutive power-play goals propelled Utica City FC to a 6-1 win over the Mississauga MetroStars at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre Friday night. Nate Bourdeau scored twice, while Freddy Moojen, Mohamed Kenawy, Darren Toby and Jake Schindler scored for Utica. Andrew Coughlin made 11 saves on 12 shots to earn the win.

Head To Head: This is the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs. Utica leads the season series 4-1 and won the most recent match 10-2 back on March 10.  City has outscored the Heat 39-25 through five games this season.

Scouting the Heat: Harrisburg comes in with a record of 8-12 and sits in third place in the Eastern Division. They most recently beat the Orlando SeaWolves 15-10 last night. Ricardo Carvalho leads the offense with 42 points, followed by Tavoy Morgan with 27 points. Matt Parrella is the top goalkeeper with a record of 4-7, a 6.17 goals-against average, and a .646 save percentage.

Scoring Machine: Utica City’s offensive prowess has been evident all season. City has the fourth-most goals (138) in the league and is averaging 6.9 goals a game this season. A goal differential of +39 is also good for fifth-best in the league.

Nate The Great: Nate Bourdeau has found his rhythm on the offensive end. With a two-goal effort against Mississauga on Friday, Bourdeau has now scored in three straight games. Bourdeau also has four goals in his past five games.

More Than An Average Joe: Joey Tavernese has provided consistent offensive production down the stretch. In his past five games, Tavernese is averaging a point per game to push his point total to 32, second-most for Utica City. Tavernese is also second on the team in both goals (18) and assists (14) on the season.

In For The Kill: Utica City’s penalty kill has been prolific this season. City has the MASL’s third-best penalty-kill percentage at .515. Their 12 power play goals allowed is also tied for fifth-best in the league. 

 Next Game: Utica City returns home to host the Mississauga MetroStars on Saturday, March 30. Kickoff at the Adirondack Bank Center is at 7 p.m. The game can be viewed on MASL.tv