Diegues adds two more, but its not enough as Syracuse rolls past Tropics, 9-5

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Silver Knights broke open an early 2-2 tie with four consecutive unanswered goals, including two within 79 seconds of each other late in the second period, to defeat the Florida Tropics SC 9-5 Sunday in Major Arena Soccer League action.

It was an important divisional showdown, as Syracuse improved it's record to 8-6, one-half game up on Florida now who falls to 8-7, for second place in the east. Only the top two teams in the division qualify for the MASL post-season.

Additionally, the Silver Knights assured themselves of the first playoff tiebreaker should the teams finish the year with the same record. Syracuse took three of four regular season games from Florida, including both played on the Tropics home turf.

The Tropics got goals from Mauricio Salles and Ricardo Diegues in the first half,  and a goal by Richard Schlemper with just over five minutes left in the third to break the Syracuse goal streak. Fourth quarter goals from Diegues and Parreiras cut the lead to 7-5 before the Silver Knights added two late sixth attacker goals.

Florida will enjoy a rare weekend off coming up, and be back in action Feb. 9 to start the final homestand of the regular season. Harrisburg is first up, with a Feb. 16 and 17 doubleheader against the western division-leading San Diego Sockers set to close the home portion of the 2017-18 season. The Tropics will finish the year with four straight games on the road. All Florida Tropics games home and away are broadcast live at www.masl.tv.

For more information on the Tropics, including ticket information for the final three home games, go to www.fltropics.com, or call 240-0101.