The general feeling at Blast practice this week was one of unfinished business. Having felt the lows of being in last place in the Major Indoor Soccer League standings as recently as a month and a half ago, the team isn?t ready to rest on its current standing of being a simple weekend sweep from first place.
“I think it would be huge to be in first place this weekend because of where we?ve come from,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said. “But it doesn?t mean anything because we haven?t accomplished our goal.”
The team?s goal is to make the playoffs. Four of the league?s six teams will make the playoffs, and the Blast is currently in third place, one game behind Philadelphia. The Blast will host first-place Philadelphia tonight before welcoming last-place California to 1st Mariner Arena Saturday night.
But now, having climbed the standings as much as five games over the past four weeks, the team is not ready to relax.
“To be honest, there?s been pressure on us since game 13 or 14,” Kelly said. “Our philosophy hasn?t changed ? we?re taking it one game at a time. We haven?t accomplished our goal yet.”
With a win over Philadelphia, the Blast would be in position for first place. Detroit is currently sandwiched between the two clubs, just one half-game out of first. With all that is on the line, 1st Mariner Arena may house a playoff atmosphere tonight.
“I?m expecting a very tough game. The last two times we played them, we put it to them pretty good,” Kelly said of a weekend sweep of the KiXX last month. “They?re the first place team and because of our proximity, we?re natural rivals.”
But the Blast will be without Adauto Neto,last season?s league MVP, after he experienced further discomfort in his surgically repaired leg.
“I?m very hopeful that this is the best thing for the future,” Neto said in a statement. “I will miss being with my teammates as they attempt to win another championship.”
Forwards Giuliano Celenza (ankle) and Machel Millwood (hamstring) and midfielder Robbie Aristodemo (knee) are questionable for this weekend.
A WEEKEND BLAST
» Tonight: Philadelphia, 7:35 p.m.
» Saturday: California, 7:35
» Radio: 680 AM
» Did you know? The Blast was undefeated (5-0) in February ? The Blast has won seven of its last eight games ? The Blast is 8-3 at 1st Mariner Arena this season
