Steigelman and Schindler each score twice to pace the offense over the Detroit Waza Flo.
By CRAIG POTTER / C&C Worldwide Sports Director
HENRIETTA, N.Y. — The Rochester Lancers made a successful return to the turf, after a 3-year hiatus, on Friday night with a 7-3 victory over the Detroit Waza Flo at the Ide Family Field at the ROC Dome Arena.
“I love the Lancers,” said Irondequoit High School graduate Jake Schindler. “I’ve known SoccerSam since I was about seven years old. I’m happy to play for him.”
Schindler and newcomer Boomer Steigelman each scored 2 goals in leading the Lancers to victory in their initial MASL 2 League game.
The Lancers scored the first 3 goals of the contest. Steigelman netted the first 2 goals of the match in the first quarter.
“The guys gave me the ball at the right time and I was lucky to finish,” Steigelman said as he added that the key to the game was getting the early lead.
“This is my first time playing for them. I heard about them a lot in the past. A lot of the guys up here are really passionate about them so I’m really lucky to be a part of it.”
Luis Hidalgo put Rochester up 3-0 in the second before the Waza Flo got on the scoreboard with a power play tally.
Schindler, who is the team captain and also plays for the outdoor Lancers developmental team, scored the next pair of goals for a 5-1 advantage at halftime.
“The indoor game is quicker and more physical,” Schindler said. “I love the short, quick shifts but it makes you a better outdoor player because you have to be able to play under pressure constantly.”
Detroit tallied the lone marker in the third quarter.
Buffalo native Gary Boughton, who also contributed 3 assists, and Michael Cunningham accounted for the Lancers goals in the fourth quarter.
Rochester goalie Morcelo Moreira finished with 7 saves in earning the victory. Several of the saves were of the spectacular variety for the Brazilan native who now calls Rochester home.
Early in the fourth quarter Moreira made a diving tip save to redirect a header by Detroit’s Brandon Bianchi with 9½ minutes left to play.
Detroit’s final goal was a little embarrassing as Ramiro Sauceda stole the ball from Moreira on an attempted cleared and scored into the empty net with 33 seconds left in regulation.
The Lancers play Saturday night at 7 pm against the Cincinnati Swerve also at the Dome Arena.