MASL: Ambush Survive Knockout Game to Secure Semifinal Berth

Staff Writer
2 days ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

SAINT CHARLES, Mo. — In one of the most pulse-pounding nights in Major Arena Soccer League history, the St. Louis Ambush punched their ticket to the Ron Newman Cup Semifinals. After splitting the first two games of the series with the Kansas City Comets, the Ambush clinched the aggregate victory with a 2-0 win in a high-stakes, 15-minute "Knockout Game" on Wednesday night.

The victory sets up a titan-sized semifinal clash between St. Louis and the San Diego Sockers.

Game 2: A Seesaw Battle

Following an Ambush victory in Game 1 on Monday, the Comets arrived at The Family Arena desperate to keep their season alive. They did just that in a back-and-forth Game 2 thriller.

The match remained deadlocked at 2-2 at the half, but Kansas City exploded in the third quarter. Led by two goals from Ignacio Flores, the Comets went on a four-goal run to seize a commanding 5-2 lead.

St. Louis mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, including a long-distance strike from James Togbah and a breakaway goal from Will Eskay, to level the score at 5-5. However, Kansas City’s Rian Marques found an unassisted game-winner to secure a 6-5 Comets victory. With the series tied at 1-1, the rules dictated an immediate 15-minute mini-game to determine the series winner.

The Knockout: Ambush Rise to the Occasion

With the season on the line in a 15-minute sprint, the Ambush defense—anchored by goalkeeper Paulo Nascimento—tightened the screws.

The breakthrough came in the seventh minute of the knockout frame when Colin O'Keefe finished a pass from Robert Williamson to ignite the home crowd. Kansas City’s hopes were further dented in the 12th minute when Rian Marques was sent to the penalty box for contact above the shoulder.

St. Louis capitalized on the man advantage in the 14th minute. Christian Briggs beat Comets keeper Nicolau Neto off a feed from Jeff Michaud, sealing the 2-0 result and the series triumph.

Series Statistics

Stage	Score	Result
Game 1 (Monday)	St. Louis 9, KC 4	SL Leads 1-0
Game 2 (Wednesday)	KC 6, St. Louis 5	Series Tied 1-1
Knockout Game	St. Louis 2, KC 0	St. Louis Advances

Next Up: Semifinals vs. San Diego

The Ambush now prepare for the ultimate test in indoor soccer: the San Diego Sockers. The series begins in Missouri as St. Louis looks to maintain their home-field momentum.

Match: St. Louis Ambush vs. San Diego Sockers (Game 1)
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 7:05 p.m. CDT
Venue: The Family Arena (St. Charles, MO)

Tickets for the semifinal opener are expected to sell fast as the Ambush look to reach the Ron Newman Cup Finals for the first time in the modern era. Follow @stlambush on social media for ticket information and pre-game updates.