With a number of injuries plaguing his team right now, Baltimore Blast coach Danny Kelly is enduring arguably his toughest challenge yet as head coach. With that in mind, the former all-star was asked if, in desperation, he would be willing to suit up for the Blast if things keep heading downhill on the injury front.
“I wouldn?t help them out at this point anyway,” Kelly said. “If we have many more injuries, it might cross my mind.”
While it is unlikely Kelly will trade in his suit for Blast black and red, it is likely that the team will make a roster move in the coming week. Blast president and general manager Kevin Healey said Wednesday the team is “getting close.”
If the Blast (4-2) does make a trade, it wouldn?t affect the roster for tonight?s game in California against the Cougars (2-6).
“I had some conversations with another team [Wednesday],” Healey said yesterday.
The Blast should land in California sometime early this afternoon, and after de-boarding their flight, Kelly said the team will have “a nice, easy warm-up and a light jog to get the legs ready.”
The game kicks off at 10 p.m. ET, and despite the Cougars? last-place standing in the Major Indoor Soccer League, Kelly expects a difficult match.
“I think we?ll face a much tougher team in California,” Kelly said. “They?re at home, and they?ll want to put up a good game in front of their fans.”
California played a physical game at 1st Mariner Arena on Saturday, but the Blast executed opportunities more efficiently in a 22-6 romp. Playing a key role in that game was goalkeeper Sagu, who was named the league?s goalkeeper of the week for the second time this season. He made 13 saves on 16 shots in the win, playing behind a defense that Kelly expects to improve.
“I think you need a good goaltender,” Kelly said. “He?s made some big saves for us and kept us in games.”
That said, Sagu might get a rest tonight at California, or Saturday in Detroit, when the Blast play the Ignition at 7:35 p.m.
