Waza Flo Repeats As Eastern Division Champs

By: Terry Foster

Detroit Waza Flo repeated as Eastern Division champions of the Professional Arena Soccer League but now the real work begins. Waza must face arch rival Cincinnati three straight times beginning Saturday during the regular season finale at the Taylor Sportsplex (7:30 pm.) on Telegraph Road.

Waza (15-2) beat the Ohio Vortex last week and finishes the regular season against its biggest rival. Waza has won the last East Division titles and Cincinnati (13-4) won the two before that.

After this Saturday's game the two teams face each other in the playoffs. They will play March 23 in Cincinnati and then go at it again March 24 at the 1,000-seat Melvindale Civic Center. Waza must move to the larger stadium in the future to stay in the top division. That is why the team is sending out emails to the Detroit soccer community to attend its games.

If Waza wins its playoff series with Cincinnati it becomes one of four teams to play in PASL semifinal games in San Diego.

But first thing is first. Waza wants to send its arch rivals home packing for the season.

"I love playing in this game. It is always a rivalry," said player Mario Scicluna. "As long as we can stick to the game plan and not get into physical battles. We have more skill than them. We can't let them be too aggressive. If our players are disciplined and focused we will be OK."

Tickets are available at the ticket office and are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and under.