If the Baltimore Blast had its druthers, Saturday night?s game would have been an injury-free cakewalk. Pretty close.
The Blast out-shot the California Cougars, 31-15, on its way to a 22-6 win before 9,027 at 1st Mariner Arena Saturday night.
“One thing we have on this team is a number of guys who can put the ball in the net,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said.
The Blast (4-2) spread the offensive wealth, as eight different players scored. Rey Martinez and Machel Millwood each scored twice.
“I think we played well tonight,” Kelly said. “I don?t think we played as well as we could have. I think, defensively, we had some lapses and gave them some opportunities, and those are some things we?re trying to cut out of our game.”
California (2-6) was shut out in the second half.
“I think we were fortunate on a number of occasions,” Kelly said. “Sagu made some saves.”
The Brazilian keeper saved 13 shots and was named player of the game at the end of the contest.
“I have to be ready for every single ball that comes to my goal,” Sagu said. “That?s my job, to save every ball.”
He said the team played well, but he admitted it wasn?t the best performance he?s seen.
“We work hard every game,” Sagu said. “California is no easy game. They have very good players on their team.”
That fact, coupled with five Blast regulars out of the starting lineup, added to the value in the victory.
“When you can win games when you don?t have a full squad, that?s a good thing,” Kelly said.
The Blast was without captain P.J. Wakefield (foot), Guiliano Celenza (groin), Cristian Neagu (abdominal), defending league MVP Adauto Neto (leg) and player-assistant coach David Bascome (knee). Neto hasn?t seen the field all season, while Bascome is unlikely to see it again after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last weekend.
In those absences, new talent emerged. Seldom-used players Gordon Chin and Patrick Ouckama saw significant playing time.
“Invaluable experience tonight,” Kelly said. “If we can get these guys some game experience and continue to win games, I think it?s a good thing.”
Next up
» Who: California Cougars
» When: Thursday, 10p.m.
» Where: Stockton Arena; Stockton, Calif.
» Did you know? The Blast do not return to 1st Mariner Arena until Jan. 6 ? The team rounds out the calendar year with road games at Detroit and Chicago.
