Baltimore is the class of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
At least, that?s the message from the Baltimore Blast front office, coaching staff and players after Thursday?s news conference.
Now, it?s time for theplayers to get to work ? and they?re ready.
“I think winning makes you more hungry,” first-year head coach Danny Kelly said. “If you win, you?re hungry to get back there and do it again.”
The Blast have won three of the last four MISL championships and kick off training camp today in hopes for a fourth.
The team will hold two practice sessions, one at 9 a.m. and another at 1 p.m., at Clarence “Du” Burns Arena in Canton.
This training camp isn?t just a warm-up for a team riding back into town on the championship wave, either. There are jobs at stake.
“I?m interested to see how some of these young kids step in and play,” Kelly said.
One spot up for grabs is Kelly?s defensive position, which is now open after he stepped off the field after assuming the player/head coach role in the waning months of last season.
“We?re going to need somebody to step in and take that role,” Kelly said.
Leadership is there, however, with the likes of Lee Tschantret, Billy Nelson (Bel Air High/UMBC), and Guiliano Celenza (Archbishop Curley/UMBC) returning.
“We?ve got a good group of veteran players.,” said recently named assistant coach David Bascome, who will also continue to play defense.
And there are younger players, such as playoff hero Machel Millwood, who are still improving. Kelly pointed to the front office?s commitment as a key in the team?s chances of repeating.
“They put a team on the field that?s going to compete and win. And that?s all you can ask for as a player,” Kelly said. “They?re going to give you that opportunity.”
Blast off
» Today to Thursday: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
» Friday: 10:30 a.m.
» Saturday: Preseason game vs. Philadelphia Kixx at Du Burns Arena, 6 p.m.
» Practice times are subject to change. Call the Blast at 410-558-4294 or visit www.baltimoreblast.com for more details.
