The Blast has its hands full this weekend when it plays back-to-back games for the first time this season ? tonight at 8 in Detroit against the Ignition and Saturday at 7:35 against the California Cougars at the 1st Mariner Arena.
“Detroit is one of the best teams in the league,” Blast forward Giuliano Celenza said. “It?s definitely going to be a good test. Playing there, then having to turn around and get an early flight home to play Saturday night ? that?s going to be tough.”
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At 5-0, the Blast is the only undefeated team in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Detroit, New Jersey and Chicago ? at 3-1 ? are close behind.
“We are where we should be,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said. “But it?s only going to get tougher from this point on, so we have to get better.”
Baltimore, which has given up a league-low 15 goals and scored a league-high 31 times, will return Celenza and goalkeeper Sagu to the field this weekend. Both Celenza (sprained ankle) and Sagu (injured right calf) have missed the team?s past two games. Dave Kern has stepped into the goal box in relief and has gained the first two wins of his indoor soccer career.
Celenza and Sagu are probable for tonight?s game. Kern might start against California (2-3) on Saturday.
“Getting [Celenza] back in the lineup can only help,” defender P.J. Wakefield said. “The team?s been playing well defensively, so a little more offense will help.”
The latest Blast casualties are forward David Bascome (hip) and midfielder Scott Buete (bone bruise); Kelly expects Buete to be out for a few weeks.
The next two games will be especially tough for the Blast defense. First up is Detroit?s Jamar Beasley, last season?s MVP who totaled 107 points. He has four goals and four assists this season. Then it?s the Cougars? Enrique Tovar, the league-leader in points (19) and goals (eight), including a three-pointer.
“It?s important to get that win the first night, because the second night is going to be tough,” Wakefield said. “The legs will be tired, and we?ll be slow out of the gates. But we?ve got to play through both of them.”
BLAST (5-0) VS. DETROIT IGNITION (3-1)
» Kickoff: Tonight, 8
» Where: Compuware Arena,
Southfield, Mich.
» TV/Radio: 680 AM
» Tickets: Available
