Sports

Blast goalkeeper Sagu ready to lead team back to playoffs

By Examiner Staff Writer
Published September 25, 2007 4:00am ET
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Baltimore Blast goalkeeper Sagu wasn?t satisfied with last season.

Sagu was the starter for 12 of the team?s 15 wins, but it wasn?t enough, as the Blast was one victory away from qualifying for the playoffs.

It didn?t sit well with him.

“Every single day, every single year, every single practice, I need to prove everything,” said Sagu, a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil. “Because I?m the goalkeeper, you never close your eyes. You close your eyes, and they?re going to score goals.”

Two seasons ago, Sagu led all goalies with a .718 save percentage and finished second with 15 wins, 300 saves and a 5.02 goals-against average en route to leading Baltimore to its third league title in four seasons.

But Sagu struggled last season. He ended the year with a 12-11 record and allowed 10.52 points per game?more than twice his average from the previous year.

But Sagu is confident he?ll prove this season he?s the best goalie in the league.

“I come here everyday,” Sagu said, “and I?m going to do my job every day.”

MISSING IN ACTION: Scott Buete and Machel Millwood were absent when the Blast opened training camp on Monday because they?re preparing to play in the United Soccer League First Division finals.

Buete and Millwood play with the Atlanta Silverbacks, who edged the Portland Timbers in the semifinals on Sunday, and will meet the defending USL First Division champion Seattle Sounders in a three-game series beginning on Saturday.

Blast forward Rey Martinez, who was at a court hearing in Miami to receive his green card, and several other players are scheduled to join the team by the end of this week.

“There are some guys that aren?t here that are going to be a big part of the team,” Blast coach Danny Kellly said. “But I?m still looking forward to a very competitive camp. There are some good players here.”

MAKING THE CUT: More than 30 players are trying out for the Blast this season, but only 20 will suit up for the season-opener against defending champion Philadelphia at 1st Mariner Arena on Oct. 19.

Kelly will spend the next three weeks evaluating his team and finalize his roster by Oct. 12. He expects to make his first cuts after Saturday?s scrimmages against the Philadelphia KiXX and the New Jersey Ironmen at Du Burns Arena.

“I?ll get a better indication of how these guys are after this first week of playing against experienced players,” Kelly said.