The winningest franchise currently in Baltimore hit a dry spell in the first half of the Major Indoor Soccer League season. But members of the Blast and its front office feel that there?s still a chance of defending its third title in four seasons.
“I absolutely think we have a team that can win the championship,” Blast president and general manager Kevin Healey said.
With the Blast struggling at 7-9, Healey has not seen the team set the standard that has carried it to the playoffs in years past. The former coach is now waiting to see the moment when the team begins to take off.
“So far, we haven?t set that standard this year,” Healey said. “That will be part of the goal these next 14 games. But we need to win some ballgames.”
Baltimore has 14 games remaining, including a home game with first-place Philadelphia (10-5) Friday night at 1st Mariner Arena. But after Friday, the team has just five home games remaining among its final 13 contests.
Over the past homestand, the team welcomed back defender and captain P.J. Wakefield and offensive talents Giuliano Celenza and Adauto Neto. But just adding those talents, Healey said, is not enough.
“We can?t assume we?re going to make the playoffs,” Healey said. “We have to earn the right to make the playoffs. But do I think we?ll do it? Absolutely.”
The team is currently just 1.5 games out of the fourth and final playoff position. But it isn?t willing to rest there.
“There?s still a lot of work to be done with our squad,” coach Danny Kelly said.
Kelly added that he?s seen the team improve over the past four games. But he?d like to see players work on some smaller things, such as limiting the other team?s offensive opportunities.
Healey would like to see the team find its confidence, which has slipped during an offensive drought.
“The first half, obviously, has been a challenge with the injuries we?ve had to go through, and we?re looking forward to the second half,” Healey said. “We?re disappointed where we?re at record-wise, but I still strongly believe in the roster we have and the coaches we have.”
MIDSEASON REPORT CARD
» Offense: The Blast has struggled to score in the absence of its top talents, Giuliano Celenza and Adauto Neto. Younger players have learned on the job. ? C
» Defense: Coach Danny Kelly, a former defender, wants improvement here. But the team has serviceably battled through captain P.J. Wakefield?s injury. ? B-
» Goalkeeping: Sagu has kept the Blast in games and is the team?s MVP should the season end now. Brian Rowland provides a solid backup. ? A
» Coaching: Kelly has transitioned well from playing just one year ago. He has kept the team afloat despite injuries and inconsistent play from veterans. ? A
