Danny Kelly

Aside from a brief announcement from the coach just beforehand, Wednesday's practice for Blast midfielder Robbie Aristodemo was no different from the others. The 32-year-old veteran was one of the first players to arrive and the last to leave, and in between the coming and going he was his usual persistent self. Aristodemo battled in the corners during a scrimmage, showed a little displeasure when a drill wasn't executed properly and made time to give positive words of instruction to one of the team's younger players.

The Blast is still perfect a month into the season, and midfielder Danny Kelly is in the middle of it all, carefully picking and choosing, and basically having a field day. With scorers to his right and more to his left, Kelly has a National Professional Soccer League-high 10 assists to go with the four goals he has scored on his own. But that's only a part of what the versatile and savvy veteran has provided in the Blast's 6-0 start. Is there any other player who better typifies the Blast's early-season success?

On February 12, 2003, MADELINE A., beloved wife of the late J. Wynne Jones III, devoted mother of George, Christine, Howard, and J. Wynne IV, dear sister of Jim Greenbeck and the late Howard Jr. and Joseph Greenbeck, loving grandmother of Thomas, Scott, Danny, Kelly, Dustin, and Collin. Relatives and friends may gather at MILLER-DIPPEL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6415 Belair Rd., on Friday, 6 to 9 P.M. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 10 A.M. Interment Gardens of Faith Cemetery.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- This was hardly the result the Blast wanted in its final game of 2006. But despite blowing a seven-point lead and falling to the Chicago Storm, 21-19, yesterday, Blast coach Danny Kelly said there were some things that happened in the defeat that left him hopeful as the calendar turns. Ignition@Blast Saturday, 7:35 p.m., 680 AM

The city's most successful pro team of late launched its quest for a fourth Major Indoor Soccer League championship in five seasons with its opening workouts yesterday at Du Burns Arena. Blast coach Danny Kelly welcomed about 25 players to the sessions, including 19 members of the 2005-06 team that defeated the now-inactive St. Louis Steamers in the title series. Blast @Detroit Ignition Season opener, Nov. 4, 7:35 p.m.

Spirit defender Mike Stankovic will start for the American Division in the National Professional Soccer League All-Star Game on Feb. 11 in Wichita, Kan. Stankovic, the second-oldest player in the NPSL at 39, will be making his first NPSL All-Star appearance.Also representing the Spirit will be midfielder Franklin McIntosh, on the second team.The rest of the American Division players:* First team: F Zoran Karic, F Hector Marinaro and G Otto Orf, Cleveland; D Richard Chinapoo, Harrisburg; D Marcelo Carrera, Canton.

Opponent: Philadelphia KixxSite: Spectrum, PhiladelphiaTime: 7: 35TV/Radio: Comcast Channel 69 in Baltimore and Harford counties and Channel 54 in Howard County)/WJFK (1300 AM)Outlook: This weekend will offer an excellent opportunity for the Blast to see how far it has come this season, as it confronts two of the three teams it currently trails in the American Conference, the Kixx (18-14) and Cleveland (21-12). The Blast (17-16), which has won its last four games, should benefit from the return of goalie Brett Phillips and midfielder Danny Kelly off the injured list.

Blast today Matchup -- Blast (17-11) @ Chicago (11-16) Time -- 5 p.m. Radio -- 680 AM Outlook -- The Blast moved into second place by a half game when Milwaukee lost its fourth straight game last night. A win today would give the Blast a one-game lead over the Wave with one game left and give the team control of its destiny -- meaning that a win in Saturday's season finale at Philadelphia would clinch second place and the home-field advantage in the playoffs' first round. The Blast has been playing the type of strong team defense that player/interim coach Danny Kelly wants, winning two consecutive games after losing four straight.

Matchup -- Blast (4-2) at California (2-6) Site -- Stockton (Calif.) Arena Time -- 10 p.m. Radio -- WCBM (680 AM) Outlook -- The rematch from Saturday's game in Baltimore brings a new challenge for the Blast: the road. The team is 0-2 away from 1st Mariner Arena, but handled California with ease in the first meeting, 22-6. Five injured players, Adauto Neto, David Bascome, P.J. Wakefield, Giuliano Celenza and Cristian Neagu, will not make a trip that continues Saturday in Detroit. Coach Danny Kelly hopes to have them all back except Bascome for the next home game Jan. 6. The Blast has re-signed veteran Tarik Walker to a second five-game contract.