For the Baltimore Blast, it?s pretty simple: Win or go home.
Heading into the final weekend of the season, the Blast (15-13) needs a win to stay above Milwaukee (14-14) in the Major Indoor Soccer League standings. Ever since mid-January, the Blast has been in playoff mode.
“It?s hard to say that before every game, because if you say something too much it loses its effect,” coach Danny Kelly said. “But that was the fact, and that was the situation. Right now, it?s staring us in the face.”
Having won three titles in the past four seasons, the players know what it takes. And a bonus for this weekend is in the return of veteran David Bascome, the team?s player/assistant coach who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in mid-December.
After roughly three months of rehab, Bascome, 37, will be in uniform tonight.
“He?s only seen a limited amount of playing,” Kelly said of Bascome, who returned to full practice Monday. “I just think having a guy with his amount of experience could be a good thing for us.”
Midfielder Giuliano Celenza (leg) is likely out for this weekend, but he should return just in time for a possible playoff push. The mere presence of those veterans can boost the team?s morale.
“I think it?s key for this weekend. We have to win,” Bascome said. “And when you?re dealing with veteran players coming off injury, their presence helps a lot.”
The team was dealt a dose of reality this week, when midfielder Jonathan Steele, 21, was dismissed for the remainder of the year for actions at halftime of the team?s 14-7 loss at Philadelphia Saturday.
“It was just a cumulative effect of things where he showed a lack of respect to teammates and the coaching staff,” Kelly said. “It was just one time too many.”
But Kelly said the team is focused and ready for tonight?s 7:35 home game against Philadelphia (16-12). The Blast plays at Chicago Saturday at 2 p.m.
“It comes down to these games this weekend,” Kelly said. “How badly do we want it? What are we willing to do to win these games to get into the playoffs? Actions speak louder than words.”
Blast off
Tonight » vs. Philadelphia, 7:35; Radio: 680 AM
Saturday » at Chicago, 2 p.m.; Radio: 680 AM
Note » Tonight?s game is the home finale, and will feature a halftime celebrity game.
