Match Preview 12/3 – Second Place Heat Ready for Third Home Win Over Cedar Rapids This Saturday

December 3 Game Brings Band Bike & Brew Action

The Rampage enter the contest on a two game winning streak, both close contests, both against the Milwaukee Wave, decided by 1 and 2 goals respectively. They sport an overall record of 3-2 on the season, both losses coming at the hands of their Central Division leader and rival Chicago.  Cedar Rapids opened the season with a win against Kansas City.

“Our goal is to take it game by game,” said Heat head coach Denison Cabral.  “If we can focus on that, we will not be wasting time.”

Lucio Gonzaga leads the Heat in scoring with 6 points including 5 goals.  Stephen Basso is next with 2 goals and 3 assists, Tom Mellor is tied with the exact same, and Thiago Freitas and Val Teixeira both have 2 goals and 2 assists on the season.

“We have to take advantage of his experience,” Cabral said of Gonzaga.  “It feels like everybody is on the same page, with more quality players around he can show up and do what he does best.”

Keeper Hugo DaSilva has played 3 games and has recorded a record of 2-1 with a goals against average of 4.63.  Nick Noble started in goal in the opening game against Baltimore and took the loss, he has a GAA of 11.

DaSilva has played very well to begin the season, Cabral however is not surprised by his success.

“The only thing that surprises me is how fast he is picking it up,” he said.  “The goalie position is tough to learn, he doesn’t know the language, he barely had time to learn the rules before the season started.”

Cabral has made the decision to start DaSilva against Cedar Rapids.  It will be his fourth consecutive start in goal for the Heat.   Cabral promised at the start of the season he would start the keeper that gives the team the best chance to win in each game.

Cabral sympathizes with Noble,  the West Virginia product has not started since the home opener against division leading Baltimore.  It makes it tough to stay sharp and mentally focused with such a long time between starts, but Cabral still believes in Noble and as tough as it may be on him individually, it has the potential to make the team stronger as they both compete for playing time.

“We’re happy with what we have, 2 great goalies,” Cabral said.  “I’m not afraid to put Nick in at any time, but I can’t change anything right now this is not the right time to do it. Nick is going to get his opportunity (eventually) and I know he is going to be ready for that.”  Noble has been a great teammate in the locker room and continues to keep a strong mental focus while he waits on his next opportunity.

Gordy Gurson leads the Rampage in points with 10 (5 goals 5 assists), Hewerton Moreira has 9 points, 6 by way of goals, and Jordan Santos also has 9 points, 3 of them goals.

Brett Petricek has started all 5 games for Cedar Rapids in goal, he has a 3-2 record with a 5.53 GAA.  Keeper Patrizo Paradiso has yet to see game action for the Rampage on the young season.

Cedar Rapids visits Syracuse Friday night at 7:30pm before traveling to Harrisburg to take on the Heat.

Kickoff from Freedmont Mortgage Field at the Farm Show Large Arena is scheduled for 7:05pm Saturday.  There will be a Band, Bike & Brew theme with Susquehanna Harley Davidson bringing their new Milwaukee-Eight Engine out.  27 beers featured and three bands will rotate on the concourse.

Tickets are still available at harrisburgheat.com.