Blast Blitz Wave in Festive Fireworks Display at SECU Arena
IslandStats.com
In a classic encounter that lived up to the storied rivalry between two of indoor soccer's most decorated franchises, David Bascome’s Baltimore Blast delivered a clinical display to dismantle the Milwaukee Wave at the SECU Arena.
On a night where the festive spirit was matched only by the intensity on the black turf, the Blast combined a blistering start with a composed finish to secure a vital victory in the Major Arena Soccer League standings.
The opening period was nothing short of a Baltimore blitz as the hosts raced into a commanding lead. Jonatas Melo ignited the home support just 33 seconds into the contest, doubling his tally less than six minutes later to leave the Wave reeling. The onslaught continued as Juan Pereira, Patrick Thompson, and Jairo Guevara all found the net in a ruthless ten-minute span.
While Alex Steinwascher managed to claw one back for Milwaukee to stem the bleeding, Chad Poarch restored the five-goal cushion with seconds remaining in the frame, punctuating a dominant first fifteen minutes for Bascome's men.
The middle periods saw the Wave mount a spirited attempt at a comeback as the tactical battle intensified between Bascome and Wave coach Giuliano Oliviero.
Poarch added his second of the afternoon early in the second quarter, but the visitors responded through Andre Hayne and Mario Alvarez to cut the deficit.
The third period remained a see-saw affair; Max Ludwig found the net for Milwaukee in the opening minute, and while Alejandro Chavez responded for the Blast, another strike from Steinwascher ensured the Wave remained within striking distance heading into the final frame.
However, the final quarter belonged to the Blast’s veteran leadership. Despite early goals from Hayne and Gerardo Perez that brought Milwaukee dangerously close, Jonatas Melo took control of the match in the closing stages.
Melo completed his hat-trick at the 12:12 mark before adding a fourth just before the final siren to extinguish any hopes of a Milwaukee miracle. For Bascome—the former Bermuda international and North Village winger—the result was a tactical triumph, ensuring the Blast enters their New Years Eve match with momentum and bragging rights in one of the MASL's most enduring rivalries.
