There is a hilarious scene in the 2003 comedy “Old School,” when Will Ferrell?s character, Frank, proclaims that he?s going streaking.
While nobodyannounced it at the time, the Blast (14-9) have been off to quite a streak of its own of late, making a comedy of the rest of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
With its streak of seven consecutive wins, after picking up two victories this weekend, the Blast are playing an old school version of soccer that harkens back to its 2003 championship ? the first of three titles over the past four seasons.
“This is the team. This is the Baltimore Blast,” goalkeeper Sagu said after the team?s 14-9 win over California Saturday night.
The seven-game winning streak is the longest since the team?s seven-game string in early 2004. The club won eight straight in 1996-97 and a record 10 straight to open the 1993-94 schedule.
“We work for each other,” said Blast veteran Denison Cabral, who scored two free-kick goals Saturday night to energize the crowd of 7,826 at 1st Mariner Arena. “That?s the type of team that can win a championship.”
The Blast will play three straight on the road, starting with a March 11 game at California. They play at 1st Mariner Arena two more times ? March 23 against Chicago and March 30 against Philadelphia.
The Blast entered the weekend one game behind first-place Philadelphia. After the Blast?s 10-8 overtime win over the KiXX Friday night, the two clubs were deadlocked just a half-game behind sudden leaders Detroit.
After an overtime win of its own Friday night, the Ignition defeated Milwaukee, 13-8, Sunday afternoon. With that win, Detroit claims a half-game lead over the Blast.
But the Blast aren?t getting caught up in its current standing as players and coach Danny Kelly have reiterated that work isn?t complete until a playoff spot is guaranteed.
“Winning is great and I?d much rather be winning than losing,” Kelly said. “But we?re focused on our goal of clinching that playoff spot. Then, we?ve accomplished something in competing for that championship. We?re not there yet.”
Blast off
» Sagu made 16 saves Saturday after stopping 11 shots Friday. He is now 12-6 on the season, allowing 9.66 goals per game.
» Friday night?s overtime win was the first game of the season in which the Blast required an extra session. In their championship campaign last season, the Blast went 1-3 in overtime affairs.
» In 13 home dates, the Blast are averaging 7,455 fans at 1st Mariner Arena ? tops in the MISL.
