The Blast wasted no time in making a title-defense statement, thrashing the Philadelphia KiXX, 14-4, at Clarence “Du” Burns Arena Saturday night.
Scattered through the blowout win were smaller victories.
For one, veteran Denison Cabral ? the franchise?s career scoring leader ? played his first game since February knee surgery and scored a second-quarter goal to open a 10-0 halftime lead.
First-year head coach Danny Kelly had guarded optimism after the win, but was pleased with the club?s overall performance.
“I thought we played well,” Kelly said. “The guys played hard and showed well. But this was an exhibition game and we still have a lot of work to do to get prepared for the season.”
The Blast opened camp Monday with some roster positions open and both Kelly and team president Kevin Healey indicated that no cuts would be made until after the preseason.
As for the veterans who are trying to get up to speed: Giuliano Celenza (Archbishop Curley, UMBC) opened the scoring with a two-point goal in the second quarter. Defender David Bascome, recently given the title of assistant coach, also scored. Carlos Garcia notched two second-quarter goals to pace the offense. Veteran goalkeepers Sagu and Brian Rowland split playing time in the first half.
Despite the ease with which the team played Saturday, Kelly admits it won?t be an easy ride through the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) ? particularly as defending champions.
“It?s goingto be a tough season,” Kelly said. “All the other teams know we?ve been successful the last few years and everyone wants to prove they can play with the best team and beat the best team. I expect everyone?s A-game when they play Baltimore.”
The Blast open Nov. 4 on the road with the expansion Detroit Ignition before returning on Nov. 11.
