ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Here we go again.
For the third week in a row, the Rochester Lancers will take on the Harrisburg Heat. The two teams will meet at the Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg, Pa. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:05 pm.
The Lancers (0-3), who have returning to the Major Arena Soccer League after a four-year hiatus, dropped their first two encounters to the Heat (2-1). They suffered a 12-3 home defeat on Nov. 30 and a 7-1 road loss on Dec. 7.
Five players have scored points for Rochester, including Webster Schroeder graduate Anthony Rozzano (2 assists), Michael Cunningham, Rafa Godoi, Rush-Henrietta graduate Alex Harling, and Pittsford Mendon graduate Matt D’Amico.
Over the final three periods last Saturday, the Lancers put on their strongest display of the season, playing the Heat closely, which had to be an encouraging sign for head coach Doug Miller. Goalkeeper Brian Wilkin, a standout for the outdoor Lancers in the National Premier Soccer League, made his season debut in the net and made 19 saves.
The Heat is led by midfielder Dominic Francis, who was named to the MASL team of the week for the second consecutive time. He leads the team with eight goals, including a pair of hat-tricks vs. Rochester. Former Lancers outdoor goalkeeper Will Banahene, a Brighton High School graduate, tends goal for the Heat.
Harrisburg is coming off a 4-3 road loss at Utica City FC last Sunday.
Soccer fans can follow all the action of Saturday’s match on MASL.tv at 7 pm. They also can get updates of the team’s latest news on Twitter at @RLancers and the team’s Facebook page.
The Lancers and Heat two will tussle once again at the Dome Arena in Henrietta, N.Y. on Friday, Dec. 27, the first of back-to-back home games for Rochester. On Saturday, Dec. 28, the Lancers will welcome the Baltimore Blast. Both matches kick off at 7 pm.
The Lancers will ring in the new year at the Dome Arena the following week as they host the Florida Tropics on Friday, Jan. 3 at 7 pm and then the Heat against on Saturday, Jan. 4.