The St. Louis Ambush embark on their first road trip when they face the Syracuse Silver Knights this Friday, December 13 in the first of four consecutive away games in a 15-day period. It will be the first of two meetings between the Ambush and Silver Knights during the 2013-14 regular season and the only one in Syracuse.
The first-place undefeated Silver Knights (4-0) will provide a rigorous test for the Ambush (1-2). Forward Slavisa Ubiparapovic leads a dangerous Syracuse offense and also leads the league in goals (9) and points (18). Syracuse forward Kenardo Forbes is another player the Ambush will have to stop if they are to earn their first road win. Forbes is tied for third in the MISL in both goals (6) and points (16). Ubiparapovic and Forbes can be expect plenty of help from Machel Millwood, who leads the league in assists (8).
If Millwood’s name rings a bell to long time St. Louis indoor soccer fans, it should. The last time we saw Millwood, he dashed the hopes of the St. Louis Steamers when, as a member of the Baltimore Blast, he scored the game winning goal in the 2005-06 MISL Championship Final game on April 30, 2006 at Savvis Center (now Scottrade Center).
Syracuse goalkeeper Brian O’Quinn will be the last line of defense that the Ambush will have to pierce to put tallies on the scoreboard and he won’t make it easy. O’Quinn’s impressive save percentage (.804) ranks second in the league while his points against average (8) is tied for the MISL’s second best.
Leading the Ambush offense are forwards Odaine Sinclair (5 goals, 11 points) and Dan Antoniuk (4 goals, 10 points). While a look a stats alone may give the edge to Syracuse, the Ambush have proven to be a never-say-die bunch that plays hard with resiliency. After falling to the Missouri Comets in a 28-7 blowout on November 23, the Ambush bounced back to force an overtime duel against the same Comets just six days later. Even though the Comets won the November 29 overtime thriller, the Ambush proved they could put the previous game behind them and match the Comets goal for goal in the rematch.
In the MISL, the three-point goal can be a great equalizer and help a team earn a quick comeback if they find themselves behind on the scoreboard. Ambush forward Kory Dowell is tied for first in the league in three-point goals, having scored one in each of the team’s first two games. Ironically, Syracuse goalkeeper O’Quinn has allowed two three point goals thus far this season. St. Louis keeper Jeff Richey has allowed no three-pointers thus far.
Will the Silver Knights continued their unbeaten streak or will the scrappy expansion Ambush hand Syracuse their first loss? The answers will come this Friday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m. CST. Ambush fans can watch live on the team’s YouTube channel,http://www.youtube.com/user/
Following the Friday the 13th showdown in Syracuse, the Ambush journey to Rochester the next night for their first clash with the Lancers. The road trip continues when St. Louis pays their first visit to Independence to battle the Comets on December 22. Six days later, the Ambush conclude their first road trip when they go to Milwaukee to face the Wave on December 28. The next afternoon, Sunday, December 29, the Ambush return to home turf to host the Silver Knights in a 3:35 p.m. contest at the Family Arena.
