Comets Fall For First Time

The top two teams in the MISL met for the first time tonight, the upstart Missouri Comets and the dynasty Baltimore Blast. The Comets fought hard, but the Blast showed why they have found themselves playing the final game of the year each of the past two seasons. In the end, the Comets were unable to break through the Blast defense and fell for the first time this season by the score of 12-4.

This game was billed as a battle of the Major Indoor Soccer League’s two best teams. Each team entered the game with an unblemished record, including wins over the defending champion Milwaukee Wave. The first quarter played out exactly as advertised, with both teams battling hard on offense and coming up with great plays on defense. For the first time this season, neither team was able to score in the first quarter.

The second defense started out the same way and some were beginning to wonder if anyone was going to be able to find the net. Then, in the ninth minute of the quarter, the Blast figured it out. Machel Millwood, Adriano Dos Santos and Agustino Nunez each scored in a three minute span. Suddenly the Comets found themselves down 6-0 as they went into the half.

Baltimore came into the game with the league’s stingiest defense, allowing only eight points per game. They relied on that defense throughout the second half as they frustrated the Comets time and again. Vahid Assadpour was able to knock one in the far post on a restart in the third quarter and Byron Alvarez converted a Penalty Kick in the fourth quarter, but their need for constant offensive pressure left them vulnerable on the back end. Max Ferdinand was able to tuck one in followed by two more from Nunez and the Baltimore Blast stayed perfect on the season, winning 12-4.

The Comets hit the road this week for a pair of games in Upstate New York, traveling to Syracuse on November 30th, followed by the second broadcast of the season on Time Warner Cable Metro Sports on December 1st in Rochester. The team returns home Sunday December 9th for their annual Military Appreciation game. Players will be wearing special military themed jerseys that fans can take home in a LIVE auction immediately following the game.

Furious Third Lifts Topeka RoadRunners Over Texas 2-1

Same score, different result. With late game heroics mirroring the Tornado’s (17-8-1) late game victory on Friday, the RoadRunners (16-5-3) whipped up some last minute magic of their own while winning 2-1.

Aside from a slightly diverting four player brawl in the second, there is not much to say about the game’s opening frames. Flash forward to 6:07 of the third for the first goal of the night, which gave Texas the lead 1-0 off the blade of Michael Hoy. Four minutes later, Tyler Andrew would find the net, tying the game at one-a-piece.

Seconds after the Andrew goal, the Tornado found the net again to take the lead. Or did they? Further review determined that the goal posts had come loose prior to the puck finding the net, negating the score. The game remained tied going into the final three minutes.

Much like Friday’s game, the Tornado pressed the attack in the RoadRunners defensive zone, requiring Mackenzie Sawyer to fend off several shots.

Unlike that game, the RoadRunners were able to clear the zone. At 17:13, Kyle Sharkey circled the Tornado net and found the barest amount of space between Hunter Leisner’s skate and the post, thrusting Topeka ahead 2-1 and the win.

The RoadRunners and Tornado complete this three game series tomorrow night at 6pm. For more information on tickets, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.

Mavericks Rock Bloomington, 6-1

The Missouri Mavericks handed the Bloomington Blaze a 6-1 drubbing Saturday night at US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Illinois. 12 different Mavericks recorded points and six different players scored goals for Missouri. Mathieu Corbeil was steady in net for the Mavs stopping 30 of 31 shots by Bloomington and he has now stopped 50 of the last 52 shots he’s faced, for a .962 save percentage. The Mavs return home Friday, November 30 for a game against the Quad City Mallards at Independence Events Center.

“A very solid team effort,” said Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman.  “Back to back sound games in net by (Mathieu) Corbeil.  We have to stay focused and prepare for a big weekend ahead.”

Sebastien Thinel put the Mavs up 1-0 just 2:11 into regulation. John-Scott Dickson was credited with the lone assist on Thinel’s goal. The Mavs doubled their lead to 2-0 six minutes later on a goal from Evan Vossen, who was appearing in his first game with Missouri after being signed by the Mavs today. Riley Emmerson earned an assist on the goal, giving him points in back-to-back games after netting two goals against the Fort Worth Brahmas on Friday at Independence Events Center. Andrew Courtney extended the Mavs lead to 3-0 with 4:27 to go in the first period. Brian Bicek and Blake Forsyth assisted on the goal. With the 3-0 lead, it was the Mavs second consecutive game with a 3-0 lead in the opening period.

Podge Turnbull brought the score to 4-0 five minutes into the second period. The goal was Turnbull’s first as a Mav in just his second game with the team. Courtney and Bicek assisted on the goal. John-Scott Dickson scored 1:03 later to make it 5-0 in favor of Missouri. Vossen added his second point of the game with an assist. Brandon Smith was credited with the secondary assist on Dickson’s goal. Jamie Vanderveeken finalized the Mavs’ second three-goal period of the game in the final minute of the second period on a goal with 35 seconds left on the clock. Matt McCready and Kenton Miller were credited with assists on the goal.

Bloomington scored five minutes into the third period on a tally from Tyler Gron. The score would stand up to be the final as the Mavs skated to the 6-1 victory. The Mavs now sit just one win under .500 for the season (6-7-2) and have won two consecutive games. Missouri goaltender Mathieu Corbeil stopped 30 of 31 shots by the Blaze and now has 50 saves on 52 shots in his last two games, both wins.

Missouri returns home on Friday, November 30 for a game against the Quad City Mallards before hitting the road for three straight road games in the first week of December. Tickets on are sale via Ticketmaster and parking is always free.  For more information on the Missouri Mavericks visit www.MissouriMavericks.com.

Mavericks Sign Forward Evan Vossen; Trevor Kell To IR

The Missouri Mavericks made more roster moves Saturday as the Central Hockey League (CHL) team signed rookie forward Evan Vossen. The Mavericks have also moved forward Trevor Kell to the 14-day injured reserve.

Vossen, 26 (9/12/86), is in his rookie season after playing the previous five seasons at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. A native of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Vossen finished 53 goals and 43 assists in 126 games with McGill.  Prior to joining the Mavericks, the 6-foot, 190-pound forward played in two games this season for the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL. Vossen will wear number 12.

The Mavs are on the road to face the Bloomington Blaze tonight. Missouri returns home on Friday, November 30 for a game against the Quad City Mallards. Tickets on are sale via Ticketmaster and parking is always free. For more information on the Missouri Mavericks visit www.MissouriMavericks.com.

Tornado’s Last Minute Goal Seals 2-1 Loss For Topeka RoadRunners

Too much turkey. Just one of a myriad of reasons that both Texas (17-7-1) and Topeka (15-5-3) just couldn’t seem to catch fire in Friday night’s game. A late goal in the second period and another in the final minute of regulation lifted the Tornado over the RoadRunners 2-1.

A scoreless first period drifted into the second with only Texas seeming to wake from the Thanksgiving haze, outshooting the RoadRunners 17-5 in that frame. It wasn’t until 14:51 that C.J. Reuschlein dented the scoreboard with an unassisted goal to give the Tornado the lead.

The second period also featured the ejections of Cody Hansen and Mitchell Mueller for fighting (Stoppage) at 4:49.

The RoadRunners failed to capitalize on a number of chances in the third but did manage to tie the game on Sean Gaffney’s netter at 16:16. From that point on, the RoadRunners could not clear their own zone as the Tornado fired shot after shot at Spencer Viele. With the seconds counting down, and overtime all but certain, Andrew Meyer scored the puck past a diving Viele at 19:49.

11 seconds rolled off the clock and Texas regained the top spot in the South Division (tied with Amarillo at 35pts).

The RoadRunners retake the ice tomorrow night in game two of this three game series against the Tornado. The game will be slightly delayed as the team will be honoring the RoadRunner Billet Families.

Earlier in the day, the team will be hosting the RoadRunners Family Breakfast at Ag Hall. Breakfast iserved at 8:30 and will run thru 10:30. The entire team will be there to cook and serve food to their fans and families alike. For more information on this event and the remaining two games in this series, call 785-286-7825.

Mavericks Score Early in 4-1 Win Over Brahmas

The Missouri Mavericks scored three first period goals en route to a 4-1 win over the Fort Worth Brahmas Friday night at Independence Events Center. Mavericks’ forward Riley Emmerson has his first two goals of the season and goaltender Mathieu Corbeil stopped 20 of 21 shots for his second win of the season. Missouri will travel to Bloomington Saturday night to take on the Blaze at 7:05 p.m.

The Mavs opened up the scoring five minutes into the game on Andrew Courtney’s first tally of the season. The goal was scored on the power play, and Brian Bicek and Sebastien Thinel assisted. With the assist, Thinel extended his point streak to six games. Thinel added another power play goal for the Mavs at the 12:59 mark of the first. Bicek and Matt Krug assisted on the goal. Riley Emmerson finalized the scoring in the first when he scored first goal of the season late in the period after a scrum in front of the net. Blake Forsyth and Matt McCready added the assists on the goal. Missouri outshot Fort Worth 14-2 in the period.

Fort Worth brought the score within two goals with the lone goal of the second period from Sy Nutkevitch, but that would be as close as the Brahmas would get.

Missouri and Fort Worth remained at 3-1 in favor of the Mavs until Emmerson added the final tally on the night with an empty net goal in the final minute of regulation. Missouri goaltender Mathieu Corbeil was steady in net, finishing the night with 20 saves on 21 shots. Brian Bicek notched three assists in the game and Thinel had two points on a goal and an assist.

The Mavs now hit the road to face the Bloomington Blaze Saturday night. Missouri returns home on Friday, November 30 for a game against the Quad City Mallards. Tickets on are sale via Ticketmaster and parking is always free. For more information on the Missouri Mavericks visit www.MissouriMavericks.com.

No. 3 Buckeyes Roll Past 'Roos, 91-45

The Ohio State Buckeyes proved why they are ranked No. 3 in the nation on Friday night, shooting a blistering 60.8 percent and rolling over the Kansas City 'Roos, 91-45 at Value City Arena in front of a crowd of 17,478.

UMKC (2-3) made the Buckeyes (4-0) earn it early in the contest, trailing just 8-3 after the first six minutes, but they heated up from there, starting with a three from Lenzelle Smith Jr., followed by nine more points in the next 55 seconds to make it 20-3.

The 'Roos scored the next five points, thanks to junior Kirk Korver and sophomore Estan Tyler, to get within 12, but it was all OSU from there. By the 2:01 mark, the Buckeyes were up by a 30-point margin, and took a 53-18 advantage into the half.

Kansas City shot only 23.1 percent in the half, and had 12 turnovers in the period, while Ohio State hit 67.8 percent from the field, including a 15-to-4 assist-to-turnover ratio. The Buckeyes used that to out-score UMKC by a 21-1 margin in points off turnovers during the stanza.

The second period saw the 'Roos improve in all those areas, only being out-scored by a 38-27 clip, but the scoring touch was never there, as the Bucks defended Kansas City hard all night. The 'Roos were held to only 25.5 percent from the floor, and hit only one three-pointer in the contest. OSU shot 52.2 percent in the final half.

The Buckeye lead got to as many as 48 in the game. Both teams were able to get their bench in for significant minutes, with Ohio State playing Duke on Wednesday, and UMKC starting conference play on Thursday.

The 'Roos were led by Tyler and senior Thomas Staton with seven points each, while 11 different players scored. The Buckeyes were paced by leading scorer Deshaun Thomas with 21 points and eight boards, with four others in double-figures, including a double-double from Shannon Scott with 10 points and 10 assists.

Kansas City will host IUPUI on Thursday night at Swinney Recreation Center at 7:05 p.m. The game will be televised in Kansas City on KSMO.

Battle of Undefeated Teams At Independence Events Center

The Comets find themselves right where they wanted to be as they head into the holiday season. So far this year they have two victories over their rivals, the Wichita Wings, and an exciting win against the defending champion Milwaukee Wave. Those wins, plus a dominating 17-10 defeat of the Syracuse Silver Knights, puts the 4-0 Missouri Comets near the top of the MISL's standings. Their opponent tomorrow night, the Baltimore Blast, also finds themselves undefeated with a record of 5-0.

The strong start is nothing new for the Baltimore Blast. In 2010, they won their first five games, and last season they won five of their first six. However, they have seen quite a bit of player turnover this year, including their star goalkeeper, Sagu. With two new goalkeepers and several new young players, many thought the Blast could be vulnerable this season. That has not been the case this year as new goalkeepers William Venzela and Troy Hernandez have stepped in to fill Sagu's large shoes.

The Missouri Comets enter this game with the league's most proficient offense, scoring 16.75 points per game. Scoring comes in bunches and from all over the field. Twelve players have notched at least a goal so far this year, while 2010-2011 MISL MVP, Byron Alvarez continues to perform at an elite level this year. He leads the team and the league in goals (9) and points (20). Captain Vahid Assadpour and second year player, John Sosa, lead the team with seven and six goals respectively.

Tomorrow is the Comets' 2nd Annual Day of Giving. This promotion allows the team to honor and promote some of the great charities that the players and staff work with throughout the year. Fans are encouraged to participate. Below is the list of charities who will be accepting donations and what they can bring:

Byron Alvarez Foundation - Once again Byron Alvarez will be collecting new and gently used soccer balls to help spread the beautiful game to those who may not be able to afford the equipment.

After the Comets first goal we are asking fans to shower the field with soccer balls! We will collect all of the balls and Byron will distribute them to those who are in need.

Kick For Christ - Kick For Christ is a Christian charity founded by Leo Gibson, soccer player for the MISL's Missouri Comets, and Worteh Sampson, formerly of the MISL's Baltimore Blast.

The purpose of this ministry is to bless youth in Leo and Worteh's home country of Liberia, with much needed clothing and sporting gear. Liberia is a small country located in West Africa, and was colonized by the United States of America.

There will be collection barrels throughout the Independence Events Center concourse where you can drop off Soccer balls, Tennis balls, Basketballs, Volleyballs, Footballs, and any other type of ball that kids can kick around and play with to experience the joy of life.

Blair's Foster Socks - Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane didn't have a problem with teddy bears. Blair's problem was babies with cold, bare feet. Each time a new foster child was given to her family's care, Blair, 11, asked the same question.

"Why do foster kids always show up with stuffed animals, but no one can find them socks -

That was Blair. Pragmatic. Compassionate. And determined to fix the problem. Her solution was Foster Socks, a program dedicated to providing socks to foster and homeless children.

The Galaxy Girls will be collecting New Socks at both entrances to the Independence Events Center.

The Dalton Burner Foundation - The Dalton Burner Foundation was founded in 2010 for our buddy, Dalton. Dalton is a seven year old that was diagnosed with Extraskeletal Myxiod Chondrosarcoma. Dalton has battled this type of tumor twice now and is currently cancer-free. As you can imagine, Dalton and his family have gone through major changes this year, which is why this foundation was formed. We believe that no family or child should have to go through this alone.

The Dalton Burner Foundation will be on-site at the Independence Events Center accepting donations throughout the game.

Kangaroos Head to Columbus to Face No. 3 Ohio State

The 'Roos head to Columbus, Ohio to play #3 Ohio State in their last of four guaranteed games from the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off on Friday (they also had Seton Hall included as a campus site game). The game, being broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network, will be the first game UMKC has faced a ranked opponent since falling to No. 20 Michigan State on Dec. 19, 2011. The Buckeyes are the highest ranked opponent the 'Roos have faced since playing No. 3 Kansas on Jan. 5, 2011 (lost 99-52). The highest ranked team UMKC has ever faced is No. 2 Kansas on Dec. 12, 1992.

In UMKC’s previous two games sophomore point guard Estan Tyler scored a career-best 17 points against Albany, then followed with 15 against Norfolk State, earning Hall of Fame Tip-Off All-Tournament team honors. Kirk Korver put up his second consecutive game over 15 points (16) vs. Albany, the first time he has ever done that in his career. It was only his fourth career game with 15 or more points. In the win over Norfolk State, he 'Roos attempted 29 free throws, the most since attempting 31 in the season-opener of last season against Northwest Missouri State.

Ohio State enters the contest with a 3-0 overall record after winning the Hall of Fame Tip-Off with victories over Rhode Island and Washington. The Buckeyes are 56-3 at home the last four seasons, with all three losses coming to ranked opponents.

They are led by current Big Ten Player of the Week and Tip-Off Tournament MVP Deshaun Thomas, who is averaging 25.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Aaron Craft starts at the point, and averages 17.0 points and five assists per contest, while Lenzelle Smith, Jr. is putting up 11.0 points and five boards a game.

As a team the Buckeyes average 76.0 points and allow 61.3 per game, while shooting 49.4 percent. They +5.0 in turnover margin as well.

If UMKC could pull off the upset it would be the first win against a ranked opponent in school history and first win over a Big Ten team ever (besides being the biggest win in school history).

Kansas City will open conference play with IUPUI coming to town next Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. The contest will be televised on KSMO in Kansas City.

The 'Roos are 11-20 all-time against the Jaguars, but won the last meeting at home by a 64-62 margin. UMKC has won the last two meetings at home. Last season the two split the series 1-1.

November 22 Weekend Preview

First off all of us at Area Sports KC would like to wish you a Happy and safe Thanksgiving. Everybody have a great time eating turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie, watching football, eating turkey, napping and eating turkey.
This is a short week/long weekend so there is a lot to do with your family (or to help you get away from family) this week.
The Topeka RoadRunners are having Parents/Billets Appreciation Weekend. Bring your family to the many events that are scheduled to make this Thanksgiving series one to remember. On Wednesday the 21st, The RoadRunners invite everyone in RoadRunner Nation to Gage Bowl on Gage and Huntoon to bowl at 9pm. On Friday the 23rd, there will be a Broomball game at the arena from 1pm-3pm. And on Saturday the 24th, the RoadRunners welcome everyone to the RoadRunner Family Breakfast at Ag Hall from 8:30am-10:30am. Don’t miss out on these great events!
As far as the games. The Roadrunners will be hosting the Texas Tornado in a three game series this weekend (November 23‐25). To help you out with your holiday entertainment budget the RoadRunners are offering a $33 Thanksgiving Family 4-Pack for the Friday night home game (Nov. 23rd). This ticket special is their way of giving thanks to the best fans in the NAHL. So after you are done with the leftovers, bring the whole family to Landon Arena because nothing says Thanksgiving like Hockey!
For more information on the Thanksgiving Family 4-Pack, call 785-286-PUCK or visit the Expocentre Box Office.
This Friday the Mavericks are also having a Family 4-Pack Night for their gams against the Texas Brahmas. The deal includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsi products starting at $80.
Also the Team Store will be having Black Friday specials:

• Clearance Rack
• STHs take an extra 10% off (excludes jerseys)
• Buy one, get one 50% off headwear
• 30% youth apparel (excludes jerseys)
• $5 pucks
• $10 Mac Dolls
• First 20 people get a Free Beanie (Rook Beanie)

• Draw for discounts (10-25% off single item)
• Free gift with $5 purchase (Silly Bandz while supplies last)
• Free gift with $30 purchase (Digital Watch Clip while supplies last)

The Missouri Comets are back in action this Saturday, November 24th in a battle of "unbeatens" when they take on the Baltimore Blast at the IEC. The Comets are having a Buy 1, Get 1 Free ticket special that ends Saturday at 12PM. This Saturday is also the Comets Annual Day of Giving, where they honor and collect donations for various players' charities. For more information call 855.KC.ARENA or visit CometsIndoorSoccer.com. There will be a Post Game Party immediately after at Strikerz Entertainment Center (18900 East Valley View Parkway, Independence, MO 64055).
Also, on Saturday the Missouri Rhythm will be hosting the Memphis - Bluff City Reign at Grandview Christian School in American Basketball Association action.
If you are looking for other family activities here are a few other things you could try (thanks to our friends at http://explorekansascity.com/):

• Open Daily: Crown Center Ice Terrace, call 816-274-8411 for more information on prices and hours
• Nov. 22: Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony, Country Club Plaza, 6:50 p.m.
• Nov. 23-25: Batman Live, Sprint Center, call (816) 949-7100 as times vary
• Nov. 23: Family Day at the Toy and Miniature Museum, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Nov. 23: Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Crown Center, 5:30 p.m.

Check their Calendar of Events for a complete listing of events
Also, three movies open this Wednesday. Two are family friendly and one is a remake of an action classic. Life of Pi (from Director Ang Lee) tells the story of a young man who survives a tragic disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. Rise of the Guardians is an epic and magical adventure that tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost - legendary characters with previously unknown extraordinary abilities. Red Dawn is a remakes of the 80’s action flick where an American city awakens to the surreal sight of foreign paratroopers dropping from the sky shockingly, the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. Determined to fight back, a group of young patriots seek refuge in the surrounding woods, training and reorganizing themselves into a guerilla group of fighters.
And don’t forget the new Alamo Drafthouse Mainstreet. On Wednesday they will host Tough Guy Cinema: THE ROCK! and on Thanksgiving night they will be showing one of the best Thanksgiving films ever made; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles! While you lay witness to the comic genius that is Steve Martin and John Candy you can feast on their $13.50 Thanksgiving dinner!
Have a great long Thanksgiving weekend.

Legends Outlets Taps Into Technology For The Holidays

Legends Outlets Kansas City is making the most of technology this holiday shopping season, the Kansas City Business Journal reports.

With the help of Kansas City-based Moblico Solutions LLC, the shopping center has rolled out a mobile application that lets shoppers pinpoint where they've parked, look up store coupons, view sales and find restrooms and ATMs.

The Legends marketing team also enlisted the help of Ameripark Inc. to offer a new text valet service that lets customers send a text and have their car brought to them within minutes. The shopping outlet also is using QR scan codes, letting customers subscribe to text message updates, and offering giveaways for Facebook "likes" and Twitter followers.

Mavericks Fall to Thunder, 3-2

The Wichita Thunder won their sixth straight game at Independence Events Center by beating the Missouri Mavericks, 3-2, Tuesday night in front of 5,172 fans. The Mavericks moved to 4-7-2 overall and 1-4-0 at home. Thunder forwards Ian Lowe and Chad Painchaud each had a goal and an assist in the win for the Thunder and Wichita goaltender Torrie Jung stopped 24 of 26 shots for his fourth win of the season. Kellan Tochkin and Jeff Pierce scored the two goals for the Mavericks who will stay home for a game Friday night, Nov. 23 against the Fort Worth Brahmas. Friday is a Family Four-Pack night in which fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsis starting at only $80.

Wichita scored the lone goal of the opening period when Greger Hanson notched his seventh goal of the season. The power play goal was assisted by Kevin Young and Nathan Lutz. The teams were even in shots through the first 20 minutes with 11 apiece, but the Thunder held the one-goal lead.

The Mavericks earned a five-on-three power play early into the second period, but they were unable to get a puck past goaltender Torrie Jung. Missouri successfully killed off two Wichita power plays midway through the period, and the Mavericks finally tied the game at the 16:28 mark. Mavericks’ leading goal scorer Jeff Pierce batted home a rebound to tie the game 1-1. He was assisted by Brandon Smith and Trevor Kell, but the tie game didn’t last long as the Thunder regained the lead just 26 seconds later. Painchaud scored on an assist by Lowe to give the Thunder a 2-1 lead before the teams headed into the third period.

Missouri didn’t waste any time in the third period as they tied the game just 21 seconds into the final frame. Rookie Kellan Tochkin scored on an assist from fellow rookie Kenton Miller as the Mavericks tied the game at two. Just before the midway point of the final period, Lowe scored on a backhand and beat Mavericks’ goaltender Mike Clemente. It proved to be the game winning goal as the Mavericks were unable to score the tying goal with the extra attacker.

The Mavericks host the Fort Worth Brahmas on Friday, Nov. 23 at Independence Events Center.  It’s a Family Four-Pack night in which fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four Pepsis starting at only $80. Tickets on are sale via Ticketmaster and parking is always free. For more information on the Missouri Mavericks visit www.MissouriMavericks.com.

Comets' Byron Alvarez and John Sosa Are Named To MISL Team of the Week

The Major Indoor Soccer League announced today that Baltimore Blast goalkeeper William Vanzela had been named the league’s Player of the Week for the third week of the 2012-13 season. Vanzela played a key role in the Blast’s 15-4 victory against defending MISL Champion the Milwaukee Wave on Friday night.

Making his second appearance of the season, Vanzela made 14 saves on 16 shots for the Blast against the Wave. Half of those came in the second quarter as the Wave tried to get back on even terms with the Blast, who held a 6-2 lead five minutes into the period.

Vanzela made four saves in the second half as the Blast held the Wave scoreless, pulling away to take victory and remain undefeated this season. Vanzela himself has now conceded only four goals in two games, making 29 saves, as he and Troy Hernandez have proven more than adequate replacements for departed MISL legend Sagu in the Baltimore net.

Joining Vanzela on the MISL Team of the Week is his Blast teammate Mike Lookingland, who had five points in the Blast’s two victories while marshalling the defense and recording five blocked shots against the Wave on Friday night.

The Missouri Comets also had a pair of players selected following their 17-10 win against the Syracuse Silver Knights on Friday, with midfielder John Sosa recording assists on the Comets’ first four goals of the night and Byron Alvarez posting a hat trick to move into the league lead in points with 20.

The Wichita Wings’ Tiguinho earned a place on the team after leading his side to its first win of the season, recording three assists in the Wings’ 8-6 overtime victory against Syracuse, while Rochester’s Jeremy Ortiz was selected after his six-point game against the Blast on Saturday night kept the Lancers in with a chance at victory.

The 2012-13 MISL season continues on Wednesday night as the Chicago Soul visit the Rochester Lancers at 7 p.m. ET at Blue Cross Arena. The Thanksgiving weekend action continues on Friday night as the Wichita Wings host the Baltimore Blast at 8:35 p.m. ET at Hartman Arena, with the Blast moving on to face the Missouri Comets on Saturday night at 8:35 p.m. ET at the Independence Events Center. Also on Saturday night, the Syracuse Silver Knights return home to host the Chicago Soul at 7 p.m. ET at the OnCenter.

All of this weekend’s action can be seen on MISLNation.com, with in-game updates available on Twitter (@MISLSoccer) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/MajorIndoorSoccerLeague).

MISL Team of the Week

Pos.	Name	Team	Highlights
GK	William Vanzela	Baltimore	Conceded just twice as the Blast defeated the Wave
D	Mike Lookingland	Baltimore	Had five points, and five blocks, in the Blast’s two victories
M	Jeremy Ortiz	Rochester	Six-point game kept the Lancers close against Baltimore
M	John Sosa	Missouri	Four assists helped the Comets defeat the Silver Knights
M	Tiguinho	Wichita	Had three assists in Wings’ first win of the season
F	Byron Alvarez	Missouri	Hat trick against Syracuse helped Comets remain undefeated

Honorable Mention – Baltimore: Machel Millwood, Max Ferdinand; Milwaukee: Jonathan Greenfield; Missouri: Brian Harris, Coady Andrews; Rochester: Gary Boughton; Syracuse: Matt Clare, Bryan O’Quinn; Wichita: Federico Moojen, Sanaldo.

UMKC's Tyler Named to Hall of Fame Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

Sophomore point guard Estan Tyler was named to the Hall of Fame Tip-Off All-Tournament team after leading the 'Roos in scoring both days.

Tyler scored a career-best 17 points on Saturday against Albany, followed by 15 points in the win agianst Norfolk State on Sunday. It was the two highest scoring totals of his career with the 'Roos. For the weekend, he averaged 16 points and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 9-of-14 from the floor and 10-of-11 from the foul line.

Naismith Bracket:

Deshaun Thomas (Ohio State) - Most Valuable Player

Aaron Craft (Ohio State)

Fuquan Edwin (Seton Hall)

Mike Powell (Rhode island)

CJ Wilcox (Washington)

Springfield Bracket:

Erik Etherly (Loyola Maryland) - Most Valuable Player

Dylon Cormier (Loyola Maryland)

Estan Tyler (UMKC)

Jacob Iati (Albany)

Mike Black (Albany)

And The Kansas City Renegades Biggest Rival Will Be ...

About ten days ago I posted a poll asking who you thought would be the Kansas City Renegades biggest rival in the newly formed Champions Professional Indoor Football League and the fans responded.

First off, Bloomington Edge, Oklahoma Defenders and Sioux City Bandits received no love. Apparently you all thought that those cities are too far away to generate any animosity. As far as those teams that did garner votes. They are as follows:

Kansas Koyotes              38%

Lincoln Haymakers          23%

Wichita Wild                   23%

MidMissouri Outlaws      15%

Salina Bombers                 7%

Since Kansas received the biggest share of votes I am guessing that since the cities are so close it will be easy for both fan bases to make the road trip to enemy territory. I was a little surprised that MidMissouri didn’t do better since the team is an innerstate rival could have a govenor’s cup game every season. I thought Wichita placed where I thought they would (2nd place) but Lincoln made a stronger than expected showing. Salina also bagged some votes setting the stage for three different I‐70 Wars (KC & Topeka, KC & Salina & Topeka & Salina).

I think there will be some nice rivalries in this league just because of geographic proximity. Kansas City has natural rivals in MidMissouri, Topeka and to a lesser extent Wichita. I also think that Topeka and Wichita will be a good rivalry (carried over from both the original Indoor Football League and the American Professional Football League).

I thank everyone that participated in the poll and look forward to the start of the season in March.