BALTIMORE (Map, News) - What a difference a year makes.

Crystal Palace Baltimore went through growing pains during its inaugural season last year. But this spring, the team is atop the United Soccer League’s Second Division with an undefeated start.

Palace defeated USL Second Division power Richmond, 2-0, on Sunday and looks to win its third straight — and sixth consecutive dating to last season — when it hosts the Wilmington Hammerheads (0-2) at UMBC Stadium on Saturday night at 7.

“Everybody is on the same page tactically with how we want to do things,” Palace co-manager Jim Cherneski said. “Last year, we were trying players at different positions, really. We’re set now with what we feel comfortable with moving forward. That’s allowed us to really fire on all cylinders. We’re delighted for sure.”

Cherneski attributes much of the team’s success — it opened with a 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh Riverhounds last month — to the training staff, namely Michael Kelly of LifeBridge Health and Fitness.

Palace is in better physical condition than it was at the start of last season, when the team’s focus was on finding the right combination of players to put on the field.

This spring, with the return of the team’s core players from last year’s squad, Cherneski has emphasized making sure the team has the conditioning needed to excel during a 20-game season.

Forward Gary Brooks is second in the USL Second Division in points, with five through two games. Brooks has two goals and an assist, with one of each in Sunday’s win.

BLAST PARTY WEDNESDAY

The Blast, fresh off its fourth Major Indoor Soccer League championship in six seasons, still is celebrating.

Baltimore’s most decorated franchise will party with its fans Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. outside the 1st Mariner Bank Tower on Clinton Street in Canton — the same place where fans greeted the team bus last week when it returned home the day after defeating the Monterrey La Raza in the championship game in Milwaukee.

“It’s certainly very important to us to be able to do that,” said Kevin Healey, the Blast’s president. “We really appreciate the support we get, and we really like what we’ve gotten from around town. It’s really energized the community. And with such a loyal following, it’s important to celebrate that with them.”

The celebration kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with free food and soft drinks provided by Della Roses.

swelsh@baltimoreexaminer.com