Risers Roll Past Baltimore to Reach MASL3 Semifinal

MUSKEGON, MI - The Muskegon Risers are one step away from competing for a MASL3 National Championship after a dominant quarterfinal performance Friday in Virginia.

Fikret Hasovic led the charge with a hat trick, powering Muskegon to a commanding 13-4 victory over the Baltimore Kings. The win sends the Risers into Saturday's semifinal at 3 p.m., where they'll face the OKC Certified Lions — the South Division champions. Should they advance, Sunday's championship match is set for 12:30 p.m. against the winner of Delaware City FC and RGV Barracudas FC.

Muskegon came out sharp, building a 3-1 advantage through the opening quarter. Arman Zahidic got things started with a goal off an assist from Elmedin Zukic. After Baltimore briefly leveled the score, Daniel Arrellano and Hasovic — the latter set up by Zukic — restored the lead.

The second quarter belonged entirely to the Risers, who rattled off three straight goals without a Baltimore response. Zukic, Abraham Arellano, and Pablo Real each scored, with Hasovic, Zahidic, and Daniel Arellano collecting the assists. Muskegon took a 6-1 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter brought more of the same. Muskegon poured in three additional unanswered goals to stretch the margin to 9-1, with Zukic, Hasovic, and Zahidic all finding the net for the second time. The Kings managed to get on the board before the period ended, but the outcome was never in doubt.

Muskegon native Miguel Flores opened fourth-quarter scoring to push the lead to 10-2. Hasovic then converted a penalty kick to complete his hat trick and extend the advantage to 11-2. Riser alum, Michael Vollmer added another goal off an Abraham Arellano assist. Baltimore answered with two late tallies, but Brett Timmer, assisted by Trevor Shultz, closed out the scoring for Muskegon.

In goal, Travis Schmid was stout in the first half, surrendering just one goal. Jake Lofgren took over in the second half, allowing three.