Blast focuses on playoff seeding

March 15, 2008

Article tools

Now that a playoff berth has been assured, the Blast wants to maneuver itself into the most favorable postseason position during the "six-game, shortened season" that remains, according to coach Danny Kelly.

"We just have to keep doing what we're doing and sustain the momentum," said Kelly, whose team has won nine of its past 11 games "Every game is important. And California is a good place to start that."

The California Cougars dropped out of the playoff picture by losing at in Monterrey, Mexico, on Thursday night, guaranteeing the Blast of no worse than a No. 6 seed in the six-team tournament. But the goal now is to try to finish strongly and possibly gain a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, which would give the Blast a bye in the first round.

"We've achieved one of our goals, and another is to try to get into the top two," Kelly said. "If we can continue playing like we are, we have a chance of doing that. If we get a bye, we can get some guys healthy, and it's two less games to be concerned about."

The Blast missed the playoffs by one game last year, ending the season on a six-game slide.

[KENT BAKER]

More articles

Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun

Would you recommend this?

Rate it:
No Somewhat Neutral Yes Highly
QUICK LINKS  |  Soccer
PHOTOS
• 2007-'08 Blast
• Crystal Palace USA
• 2006-'07 Blast
• David Beckham
• More soccer photos
• More sports photos
• Photo search
Subscribe to this blogBLOG: Alive and Kicking Alive and Kicking
BALTIMORE BLAST
Schedule | Official Web site

CRYSTAL PALACE USA
Schedule | Roster | Official Web site | Photos

 D.C. UNITED
Schedule | Results | Roster | Stats

 MLS
News | Scoreboard | Standings | Schedule | Statistics
Teams | Previews | Transactions | Injuries

INTERNATIONAL
U.S. national team news | Other national teams

Search Classifieds

JOBS   CARS   HOMES   SHOP

Other Features

  • Contests
  • Special Sections
  • Fifty Plus

Featured Video Advertisers

Online resources

Download desktop wallpaper created from Sun sports photos
> Orioles
> 1983 World Series
> Ravens
> More

> Sports photo galleries
> Sports blogs
> Sports contests
> Submit sports feedback
Sports Direct newsletter - Subscribe
Sign up for our breaking sports alerts and weekly e-newsletter

Going deep

Sun sports special reports and in-depth coverage
> 1983 O's
> Recruiting Tavon Austin
> Football: The tie that binds
> Orioles
> Baltimore Colts
> Going deep: Other sports