Here’s three things I’ll be focusing on during this weekend’s matchups in the MASL.

San Diego was feeling good after knocking off Savage 5-2. *Photo credit: San Diego Sockers and ryan@linchpincreativephoto.com*

Savage Bounce Back?

Last week, Chihuahua Savage were undefeated and running roughshod over the league, looking every bit the presumptive three-peat champion. Sunday night, they took on San Diego Sockers, the current number two in the standings, and lost 5-2. 2 goals is the lowest score total Savage have posted this season, by half! Up to this match, the team had scored at least 4 goals in every match this season. However, if you look at the statistics from that match, Chihuahua outshot San Diego 22-15, only converting 2 of those 22. This weekend, Savage get Utica on back-to-back nights and I suspect they’ll be shaking that case of the yips from last Sunday.

Harrisburg’s Three Day Weekend (in HELL)

Every players we’ve interviewed that spent time in the MASL has talked about how grueling it is to play back-to-back-to-back matches on turf. It wears players down to the point that the third match is just a lesson in surviving to the end, regardless of result. Harrisburg Heat, currently 11th in the standings, has Utica on Thursday (tonight), then Kansas City Comets on back-to-back matches, Saturday and Sunday. One glimmer of hope is that all three matches are at home, so at least the roster is spared traveling wear and tear. Harrisburg is currently on a 5 match losing streak and desperately needs to turn this season around. Probably not going to happen this weekend.

Marques has been a force for Kansas City this season. *Photo credit: Kansas City Comets*

Marques’ Marquee Performance

Rian Marques is having a season! The Kansas City forward is chewing up defenses this season, leading the attack for the Comets. Rian is currently fourth in goals (19) and leading the league in assists with 18. He’s the league leader in points and working his butt off to keep his team in playoff contention. Awesome to see such a balanced approach to offense from one of the best players in the league. I think his matchup with worn-out Harrisburg this weekend is a great chance to inflate his statistics even more!

- Dan Vaughn