BALTIMORE (Map, News) - In theory, if a team takes enough shots, one of them is bound to hit the back of the net — or at least roll wearily across the line. Crystal Palace USA (0-4-0) seems due for one of those breaks.

“Oh man, we are due for a break,” said Palace sporting director/coach Jim Cherneski.

“I think it's a confidence thing,” Palace general manager/coach Pete Medd said. “Once we get one early in the game, the confidence level will rise and we'll be a tough team to play against.”

Palace will look to break through early when it visits the Wilmington Hammerheads (0-3-1) tonight at 7:30 at Legion Sports Complex in North Carolina. Considering the teams’ similar positions in the United Soccer Leagues’ Second Division standings, this game is important for Palace.

“This is a game that we should win,” Cherneski said. “Truthfully, I think we can beat any team in the league on any day. [Wilmington], in addition to being down in the basement with us, has a lot of injuries. But we have to come out and perform.”

Part of that includes relaxing on offense and finishing opportunities.

“Right now, in front of the goal, they're more concerned with not missing than finishing it,” Medd said. “Once one or two fall, the pressure will be off them.”

One week after a last-minute 1-0 loss to Cincinnati, Palace is in need of a complete, 90-minute effort.

“We talk about being mentally strong for 90 minutes,” Medd said. The ball is probably at your foot for about a minute as an individual player. You have be thinking ahead and play disciplined.”

Because of some mental slip-ups in the opening month of play, Palace has been susceptible to counterattacks. The defense will get a boost this week with the return of Ibrahim Kante, who missed the past three games with injuries. He's also the only player on the team to score a goal, coming late in the team's opening-week loss to Charlotte. The offense will also look for a boost from Charlie Sheringham, who will be getting his second start of the season.

USL SECOND DIVISION STANDINGS

TEAM W-L-T POINTS

Richmond 4-0-0 12

Harrisburg 3-1-2 11

Charlotte 3-1-0 9

Cleveland 3-0-0 9

Western Mass 2-1-1 7

Cincinnati 1-3-1 4

New Hampshire 0-1-2 2

Bermuda 0-2-1 1

Wilmington 0-3-1 1

PALACE 0-4-0 0

Comments from Examiner Readers

7:15 AM MST on Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 re: "A new look at Palace"

Examiner Reader said:
Not after the two more games they play they will be in playoffs and be promoted to EPL!!! GO PALACE!!!

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6:12 AM MST on Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 re: "A new look at Palace"

Examiner Reader said:
Crystal Palace isn't in the EPL. They are in the League Championship, which is one level below.

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