Even in victory over Philadelphia, the Blast may have suffered a devastating loss.
Forward Machel Millwood left early in the second quarter of an 18-6 win over the KiXX on Saturday with an injured left ankle.
A Blast official suggested the injury didn’t seem long-term, but Millwood is expected to undergo tests today.
Millwood, 29, has battled knee injuries for much of his career, and has been slowed by a groin injury this season.
The first-place Blast (6-1) got two goals apiece from Denison Cabral, Billy Nelson and Giuliano Celenza to fill the void left by Millwood, who entered the game as the National Indoor Soccer League’s fifth-leading scorer with 24 points.
The Blast had a 1.5-game lead over Monterrey pending the La Raza’s outcome against Rockford yesterday.
The Blast returns home for a key stretch beginning Friday night at 7:35 against Monterrey and concluding with a visit from the KiXX on Jan. 31.
– Sean Welsh