MASPETH, NY --- The Brooklyn Knight (7-5-3 24PTS) can sleep easier tonight after defeated the Ocean City Barons (8-4-3 27 PTS) 3-1 at the Metropolitan Oval on Wednesday night. The Knights have swept the season series with the Barons after defeating them 2-1 in late June. The Knights now face a must win game on Sunday at Ottawa; a victory and an Ocean City loss to New Jersey, the Knights will capture the # 3 seed in the Northeast Division.
The Knights got on the board early as Gennaro Ferrante connected on a penalty kick in the 5th minute after an OC Baron was called for a handball in the box. The Knights and Baron took three shots a piece in the half and were called for ten combined fouls in the half.
Defenseman Daniel Belke chipped away his second goal of the season in the 52nd minute after a fumble by a Baron d-man. The OC got on the board as reserve Ryan Richter beat Knights goalie Chris Antonino in the 72nd minute to cut the lead to 2-1.
As the 90th minute came into the play the Knights found themselves with a man advantage after Tyler Bellamy was ejected and then minutes later GM/HC Neil Holloway was ejected for foul language. Long Island University forward Frank Alesci knocked in the equalizer after a terrific pass from Hamir Niebles. Holloway will miss the final contest for the Barons behind the bench.
“Its all about the 90th minute, we played terrific today and capitalized from our mistakes in the past two contests. Yes, Sunday is tremendous for us and if we advance great. If not we will reflect on this season and strive for the future, commented Coach Joe Balasmo. “
In the net Chris Antonino finished with a pair of saves and for OC, Tunde Oginbiyi finished with four saves.
As previously stated the final regular season contest for the Knights will take place on Sunday in Ottawa, Ontario at 3 PM at the Algonquin College Soccer Complex. The previous match-up saw the Knights tie the Fury 1-1 as Peter Halkidis scored on a PK at the 90th minute. In the previous three game the Knights are 2-0-1 against the Fury…..
GOOD LUCK KNIGHTS IN OTTAWA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!