P.J. Wakefield was just a 22-year old defender in 2003 when the Blast began its dynasty by winning its first title in 19 years. Five years later, he?s emerged as the veteran captain who added his fourth Major Indoor Soccer League title.
But he felt like a rookie again on Saturday when the team clinched its latest championship with a 14-11 victory over the Monterrey La Raza at U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee.
Wakefield, 27, was nostalgic as he watched the team?s five rookies and nine players, who won their first league title, revel in the culmination of one of the finest seasons in franchise history.
“It made me think about the first time I won it,” he said. “You play six months with these guys, it?s just an unbelievable feeling to sum it all up and hold that trophy up. Hopefully, we?ll get a couple more for these guys.”
The Blast has four players 30 or older, but 15 players under 30.
And none of the foursome ? Robbie Aristodemo, David Bascome, Denison Cabral and Sagu ? are contemplating retiring, meaning the Blast should return its core as it tries to claim its fifth crown in seven years next season.
“We have so much talent on this team,” Cabral said. “Every position on this team we have a star. We?ll have some changes coming next season, but we have so much talent, I?m sure we?ll have a good team next season again.”
Blast coach Danny Kelly, who has been with theteam as a player or coach for all four titles, is confident the team could continue is dominance next season.
“With the team we have and the chemistry we have, anything is possible,” he said. “They?ve got a job to do. Part of that job, is not only to help us win games, but show the young guys how to go about it. Not only on the field, but off the field ? how to take care of themselves and all the little things you need to do to be a professional. This year, they?ve done a tremendous job of that.”
The Blast should remain intact next season, but likely will welcome at least one addition: former Towson University standout Pat Healey, who is playing with Crystal Palace USA after having a workout with Kansas City of Major League Soccer. Healey is the son of Kevin Healey, the Blast?s general manager.
“We?re going to celebrate four-in-six right now,” Wakefield said. “We?ll work on that in a couple of months.”
