Twisters Lose Ground in Playoff Race

Massachusetts Falls to Cincinnati, 8-2

February 25, 2008

CLEAVLAND, OH -- The Massachusetts Twisters’ playoff aspirations took a big hit with an 8-2 loss to the Cincinnati Excite Saturday night – a defeat that puts them six points back of the Excite in the race for the second and final berth in the American Indoor Soccer League Championship.

Matt Brienes led the Excite in scoring with three 1-point goals and added an assist.

“We need to win one of the next two, as it’s still anybody’s game,” said Brienes. “We’ll take the win, but we would have liked to score a couple more goals though.”

Jeff Henderson scored the game’s only 2-point goal and Jack Cummings, Garrett Buck, and Kurt Fischer each scored a 1-point goal for Cincinnati.

For the Twisters, Franco Catiearra and Kyle Texiera each scored a goal. However, the Twisters looked at it as a moral victory.

“It all depends on what happens,” said Twisters assistant coach Kevon Isa, who coached the Twisters in place of Rob Libera, who was unavailable for the trip. “I’m very proud of the guys tonight. We only brought 10 players and I’m pleased with the performance. Although we lost, we still have the tiebreaker.”

If the two teams finish tied in points at the end of the regular season, it would go to the third tiebreaker, which is points scored in head-to-head meetings. Massachusetts holds a 26-25 edge over Cincinnati. The second tie-breaker is head-to-head meetings, with the season series tied at two games a piece.

Cincinnati will play their final two games of the regular season on the road. First up will be a trip to Rockford, and a possible finals preview, as the Excite will take on the Rampage at the Victory Sports Complex this Saturday.

Massachusetts will play their final three games at home, starting with the Northern Illinois Rebels making their first appearance at the “Big E” Saturday March 1 at 7:30 p.m.