Introduced as the “winningest franchise in Baltimore,” the Blast wasted no time in its home opener Saturday showing the secret to winning three Major Indoor Soccer League Titles in four seasons.
Led by a Guiliano Celenza hat trick, the Blast jumped out to an early 8-0 first-quarter advantage en route to an 18-12 victory over the Chicago Storm in front of a sellout crowd of 11,286 at 1st Mariner Arena.
After the team was introduced, all members of the organization were presented with championship rings, and a fourth Blast championship banner was unfurled at the stage end of the arena amid pyrotechnics and celebration.
When the game started around 8 p.m., the Blast (1-1) got right to work, as Celenza (UMBC/Archbishop Curley) converted a Chicago (1-1) turnover for a 2-0 lead just 19 seconds into the contest. It was a stark contrast to the team?s slow start in a season-opening loss at Detroit.
“Everybody to a man knew we had to play better tonight, and everybody was ready,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said.
The Blast took eight first-quarter shots for eight points. Celenza?s hat trick was complete just 4:40 into the game.
“That fast? Honestly, I don?t think so,” Kelly said when asked if he?d ever seen an outburst so quickly. “Guils was on tonight. He?s been a very successful player in this league, and he?s a big part of our offense.”
Celenza, 27, led the team with 38 goals last season, including a team-best four in a Jan. 6 win at Milwaukee. Through two games, he leads the team with five goals.
“Guils was on fire,” Blast midfielder Denison Cabral said. “He can finish. And the good thing about this team is that we have so many guys that can do that.”
Cabral, who scored a goal in his first game back in Baltimore since knee surgery, admired Celenza?s performance.
“I don?t know where he got his food from today,” Cabral said. “I want to call him to find out.”
Kelly said while it was great for the team to celebrate last year?s title, the players were ready to put on a show during the game.
“You?re very proud of what you accomplished last season ? but that?s last season,” Kelly said. “It?s this season now. We were 0-1, and we needed a win.”
