Having reached double digits in scoring on just two occasions in seven January games, something has kicked in for the Baltimore Blast offense in February. Since Groundhog Day, the Blast (11-9) has gone 4-0, averaging 15.5 points per game in that span.
This weekend?s two-game sweep of Milwaukee (11-10) proved that the rebirth of the Blast offense is for real. In Saturday?s 13-7 win, six players scored for the Blast. In Sunday?s 14-12 win, the offense brought the team back from an early 6-0 hole. The team is now on a four-game win streak, with six wins in the past seven games.
“We?ve got a lot of guys capable of scoring goals,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said. “A lot of different guys scoring in a win, you can?t argue with that.”
Perhaps more impressive was that the outburst came without the defending league MVP, Adauto Neto, and team?s leading scorer from last year, Giuliano Celenza. Neto is having his surgically repaired lower leg re-examined, while Celenza injured his lower calf during practice last week. Results of Celenza?s X-ray were negative, but there will be a follow-up exam this week.
Opposing defenses typically key in on those two. But with outbursts like this weekend?s, it will be difficult to focus on just one player.
“We need that,” midfielder Robbie Aristodemo said. “When you can get six, seven, eight different players scoring, it?s difficult for other teams to key in on one or two guys.”
Battling through injuries has been a key for the team all year. Second-year forward Machel Millwood, who battled some early knee injuries, has come on strong since. After Saturday?s game, Kelly acknowledged Millwood in particular, crediting the Towson University product with a “great season” so far. Millwood scored four goals Sunday, including three in the fourth quarter.
After missing the first two games of the season, Millwood leads the team with 24 goals and 56 points in 18 games. His 24 goals are second only to Detroit?s Jamar Beasley, who leads the Major Indoor Soccer League with 29.
HAVING A BLAST
» Blast forward Machel Millwood is fifth in the MISL in points with 56, while teammate Denison Cabral is ninth with 43.
» The Blast has scored 243 points on the season, fourth in the league.
» Of the team?s 243 points, 74 have come in the fourth quarter ? the most of any period.
