Buy tickets for Saturday night’s home match
Akean Shackleford nearly had the perfect present on the eve of his 21st birthday when he rose high to head a stoppage time cross on frame, but Syracuse FC keeper Patrick Castle stymied the chance and held FC Buffalo to a 2-1 loss at Murphy Field in Syracuse on Thursday.
The Blitzers (1W-3L-2D) failed to build on their 5-1 Sunday win despite forcing an early own goal from the hosts through Shackleford’s pressure on goal.
Syracuse answered with a goal off a tough giveaway, then went ahead for good when ex-Rochester Rhinos midfielder Nate Bourdeau hit a shot through traffic from 30 yards to score a winner.
FCB outshot the opposition again, but unfortunately saw that statistic go for naught at the hands of Castle and Cuse, who added ex-FCB defender Adam Lauko for the occasion.
The Blitzers are back home Saturday when Fort Pitt Regiment comes to town for a must-win match at 7 p.m. at Robert Rich Sr. All-High Stadium.