CHANGE MY LOCATION
Sports
Los Angeles Examiners
Los Angeles Lakers Examiner
Most Recent Post
Lakers overcome turkey hangover, improve to 14-1
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Examiner
Most Recent Post
Hello CC Sabathia? Goodbye Jered Weaver?
Multimedia News
Back-to-back games tough assignment for Blast
SEE THE LATEST ON THIS STORY
Related Topics: BALTIMORE
“Detroit is one of the best teams in the league,” Blast forward Giuliano Celenza said. “It’s definitely going to be a good test. Playing there, then having to turn around and get an early flight home to play Saturday night — that’s going to be tough.”
At 5-0, the Blast is the only undefeated team in the Major Indoor Soccer League. Detroit, New Jersey and Chicago — at 3-1 — are close behind.
“We are where we should be,” Blast coach Danny Kelly said. “But it’s only going to get tougher from this point on, so we have to get better.”
Baltimore, which has given up a league-low 15 goals and scored a league-high 31 times, will return Celenza and goalkeeper Sagu to the field this weekend. Both Celenza (sprained ankle) and Sagu (injured right calf) have missed the team’s past two games. Dave Kern has stepped into the goal box in relief and has gained the first two wins of his indoor soccer career.
Celenza and Sagu are probable for tonight’s game. Kern might start against California (2-3) on Saturday.
“Getting [Celenza] back in the lineup can only help,” defender P.J. Wakefield said. “The team’s been playing well defensively, so a little more offense will help.”
The latest Blast casualties are forward David Bascome (hip) and midfielder Scott Buete (bone bruise); Kelly expects Buete to be out for a few weeks.
The next two games will be especially tough for the Blast defense. First up is Detroit’s Jamar Beasley, last season’s MVP who totaled 107 points. He has four goals and four assists this season. Then it’s the Cougars’ Enrique Tovar, the league-leader in points (19) and goals (eight), including a three-pointer.
“It’s important to get that win the first night, because the second night is going to be tough,” Wakefield said. “The legs will be tired, and we’ll be slow out of the gates. But we’ve got to play through both of them.”
BLAST (5-0) VS. DETROIT IGNITION (3-1)
» Kickoff: Tonight, 8
» Where: Compuware Arena,
Southfield, Mich.
» TV/Radio: 680 AM
» Tickets: Available
mpeters@dcexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
8:53 PM MST on Tue., Jun. 24, 2008 re: "Hale working on new arena"
Report as inappropriate
7:50 PM MST on Tue., Jun. 24, 2008
re: "Fizzled franchise?"
Report as inappropriate
7:26 PM MST on Tue., Jun. 24, 2008
re: "New arena could work for Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
10:25 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 2, 2008
re: "Fizzled franchise?"
Report as inappropriate
8:24 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 2, 2008
re: "Fizzled franchise?"
Report as inappropriate
6:48 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 2, 2008
re: "MISL gets the boot"
Report as inappropriate
7:17 AM MST on Thu., May. 8, 2008
re: "MISL once again in flux"
Report as inappropriate
6:26 PM MST on Mon., Apr. 28, 2008
re: "Blast off to a dynasty"
Report as inappropriate
2:30 PM MST on Mon., Mar. 24, 2008
re: "Future stars have a Blast at youth soccer clinic"
Report as inappropriate
12:40 PM MST on Mon., Mar. 3, 2008
re: "Hale working on new arena"
Report as inappropriate
7:37 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008
re: "Split decision for the Blast"
Report as inappropriate
6:19 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008
re: "Split decision for the Blast"
Report as inappropriate
8:48 AM MST on Mon., Feb. 4, 2008
re: "Home sweet home"
Report as inappropriate
9:15 AM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008
re: "Blast score season-high 25 points in win over Orlando"
Report as inappropriate
9:04 AM MST on Wed., Jan. 30, 2008
re: "Blast march to 12-7 win over Milwaukee"
Report as inappropriate
11:29 PM MST on Sat., Jan. 26, 2008
re: "Blast march to 12-7 win over Milwaukee"
Report as inappropriate
3:29 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007
re: "Aristodemo: An artist on the field"
Report as inappropriate
11:56 PM MST on Fri., Nov. 16, 2007
re: "Blast looks to stay in first place"
Report as inappropriate
5:07 PM MST on Thu., May. 17, 2007
re: "New arena could work for Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
1:59 PM MST on Thu., May. 17, 2007
re: "New arena could work for Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
7:33 PM MST on Wed., May. 16, 2007
re: "New arena could work for Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
10:38 AM MST on Tue., May. 15, 2007
re: "New arena could work for Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
8:11 AM MST on Tue., May. 15, 2007
re: "Will Blast get blasted away?"
Report as inappropriate
12:06 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 11, 2007
Report as inappropriate
MJ said:
THE NEED FOR A NBA OR NHL MAY WORK AT FOR BALTIMORE! Most cities like Sacremento, Milwaukee, St.Louis or Minneapolis don't seem to fit in the NBA or NHL, but they have major support for their indoor franchise(s) and so as Baltimore. Many believe MLB and NFL don't fit into Charm City's act but the Orioles won 3 championship and the Ravens first 4 seasons won a Super Bowl. So the start for a NBA,ABA,NHL,ECHL,NLL, or AFL franchise can boost B-MORE's attraction. So a new major league size arena can bring in lots of fans and millions of dollars an year for the city. The biggest spots are Port Covington and either Canton for a 19,000-20,000 seat facility.
6 agree | 5 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
MJ said:
Port Covington is a great spot for a new 19,000-20,000 seat arena that can attract an expansion NBA or NHL franchise, its a good spot first of all its next the Bay, facing Interstate 95 and plus a big area spot. Now bring the biggest event to Baltimore ever.
7 agree | 8 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The MDC and MSA should propose the new arena site at Port Covington shopping area because more space than the current site, the new arena site can propose an 19,000 seat facility that can bring in more events and also rebuild the Baypoint and also start a new residential and suite area.
6 agree | 7 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
These are hilarious comments. Many of you are showing your abject ignorance .
6 agree | 8 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The Blasts WON the championship!!!! They played excellent especially when #6 Scott Buete returned from his injuries. The games were exciting. I just hope that the Baltimore Blast is able to become part of a new league.
6 agree | 5 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Patrick said:
I'm glad to see the Truth finally came out. This whole MISL situation has been handled poorly for years by everyone involved. The players not knowing as indicated in Sean's article is a joke!
8 agree | 7 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Let's drop Fox Soccer Channel from coverage. Their performance during the championship telecast receives a failing grade. Aside from the techincal difficulties which led to only a portion of the game being viewed, their commentatores proved to know little about the game nor the teams involved. The championship game should be played in front of at least one of the team's fans.
9 agree | 11 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
this soccer league is not major league . 6 teams and no television what kind of league is it anyway when every year 2 or 3 teams fold??????
8 agree | 12 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Rocko Mango said:
Someone ought to tell these boys that soccer is a girls' sport. They should have some self-respect and play football or lacrosse.
17 agree | 22 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
i think that if we have a new arena it should seat 20,000 or more and to say Baltimore does not have a shot at getting an nba or nhl team is not rite anything can happien just like they sayed baltimore was not a good place for football and we got one an it is doing great
64 agree | 61 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Anybody really follow this 'sport'? I mean, besides the 10 or 12 that go to games?
56 agree | 67 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The Blast are great but danny kelly is a backstabing chump.
77 agree | 70 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The Blast are getting hot at a good time. This run reminds me of the playoff run 5-6 years ago when we won our first title in 20 years. Support this team! They're the only Baltimore likely to have a winning record or title shot this year, and they're mostly local boys.
78 agree | 54 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Peters knocked this one out of the park. He's going places.
90 agree | 88 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Mike Peters is an amazing sports journalist.
97 agree | 85 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Yawn.
Can we get a professional sport in the winter?
Nothing worse than a bunch of sissies running around squealing "don't use your hands! don't use your hands!"
97 agree | 93 disagreeVote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Anastasia B. said:
The Blast is an awesome team and I love you Robbie! You keep the team together and strong. You'll always be there for them. You Rock!!!
197 agree | 132 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Soccer Fanatic 01 said:
I love your team and how they put forth the effort they need to win the game. I was at the game in Baltimore, on Friday the 16th. When they played the Team La Raza. And I've got to say that Team Blast was really fun to watch. My friend and I had a "Blast" thanks, ~sincerly, soccer fanatics!~
186 agree | 147 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Neil said:
The state screwed up when they built the convention center 10 years ago on a spot that would have been so much better utilized on a new arena. Now, however, they need a new place. I actually think Westport would do well, since the city wants to do something positive with that cesspool of a neighborhood, that just so happens to be in a great location. It's right next to 95, 295, the water and it has a light rail stop. Also, while the Blast gets a new arena, bring on the AHL, the AFL, and the NLL.
430 agree | 276 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Jimmie said:
I know a place that the Blast can play - the Baltimore Athletic Club for women.
269 agree | 298 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Ken said:
Hey Jimmie if you know a place the Blast can play in while they build a new arena name it. If the Blast are so lame like you say why do you care about a new arena anyway. And by the way it has not been called the Civic Center in a very long time. Dave is right you must not know much about a good team and it's owner looking out for his team and it's fans. What are you a Peter Angelos fan. lile that guy takes care of his team or cares about it's fans. We need to build a new arena, But in a new location. Hopefully Mr Fry and Mr Brodie and The Stadium Authority will realize the Blast are too good of a thing to loss and will either find a place for them to play while a new arena is build. Or better yet find a new location to build a arena, Like Canton. makes to much sense close to I-95. GO BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
273 agree | 286 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Dave said:
I guess "Jimmie" is not a follower of the MISL. If he was, he'd know that nearly every team that has had to drop out of the MISL for one reason or another has folded permanently. The Blast are the oldest continuously operating franchise in indoor soccer -- 26 years in this city, with four championships. What other Baltimore team can even compare to that success ratio? And even our fiercest rivals say that they'd rather play in Baltimore than any other road destination, because our fans are the most fervent and knowledgable in the league. And the Blast are still the best sports bargain in town -- I have to take out a second mortgage to go see the Ravens or Orioles, but I can afford season tickets to the Blast, and have for the past 15 years. So let's build a new arena -- but let's not shut down the Blast to do it.
319 agree | 493 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Jimmie said:
Tell Ed to stop whining. There are venues in and around town where the Blast could play while a the Civic Center is torn down and a new arena built in its place. Hale is just trying to strongarm the city into going along with his Canton arena plan. Poor Ed and his lame soccer franchise.
367 agree | 323 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
William Kennedy said:
Baltimore has needed a new arena since 1964. When the NHL first expanded, Baltimore was a prime location, but when the league executives toured the Civic Center the deemed the new arena completely unfit. It hasn't improved since then. A 12-15,000 seat arena would do nicely for the Blast and the new indoor football team, but in order to get prime events such as an NCAA 1st & 2nd round or Regional basketball tournament, or FROZEN FOUR Hockey tournament or woment basketball regional or FINAL FOUR and some of the larger musical acts, a 20-22,000 seat venue is neccessary. Mr HAle, don't undersell Baltimore or yourself by thinking too small on this project.
59 agree | 49 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree