Indoor Soccer League

Solidly entrenched as one of the Major Indoor Soccer League's model franchises, the Blast looks forward to 2007 as a year in which it can win a fourth championship in the past five years and top the league again in drawing power. The franchise is leading the league in average attendance through about one--third of the season and is hopeful that it can overcome a slew of injuries, improve its performance on the road and challenge for another title. In addition, player performances are doubly important, because the MISL will undergo its third expansion draft in as many years after the season, with three new teams to be added for 2007-08.

Soccer has been the salvation for David Bascome. Beset by a troubled youth followed by a banner career in the sport he loves, the Blast's player-assistant coach has laid the groundwork for another new beginning in his native Bermuda, where he will launch the island's first professional league in May. In turn, he said he hopes his enterprise can provide to others the foundation for the life-changing experience that the sport presented to him. "I was...

A week ago, Denison Cabral's only goal was to get through the Blast opener in Detroit without any complications. This week, he aspires to do more than that. After nearly 11 months without a formal game following his second major knee surgery, the team's all-time leading point scorer hopes to have more of an impact when the Blast begins its home schedule tonight at 1st Mariner Arena against the Chicago Storm. "I'm excited," said Cabral, who started playing professional soccer in his native Brazil at the age of 15. "The last two seasons, I've only really played any real time in 12 games.

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.

The Major Indoor Soccer League will announce today that the San Diego Sockers and Monterrey (Mexico) Fury are out of business, sources close to the league said yesterday. The MISL will continue operating with seven teams. The league also will set a dispersal draft for San Diego and Monterrey players by Wednesday and answer questions about rescheduling and playoff formulas. MISL commissioner Steve Ryan did not return a phone call to his office yesterday, and the league's director of communications, Jaye Cavallo, said the league would have nothing definitive to say until today.

Scott Schweitzer, a four-time Major Indoor Soccer League All-Star defender, joined the Blast yesterday. The team has held rights to the North Carolina State star since a 2001 trade with the Cleveland Crunch, for which he played for in all of his seven previous indoor seasons. Schweitzer's contract with the Rochester Rhinos of the A-League precluded his playing for the Blast. The Blast opens its preseason Friday against the Philadelphia KiXX at Du Burns Arena. Proceeds from the $5 admission go to the Brian Hunt Memorial Scholarship Fund.

A fight between Blast teammates Chile Farias and Allen Eller had to be broken up, Lee Tschantret tried to block a shot and got kicked in the head for his effort, and Tarik Walker collided with another player in the goal box, taking the brunt of the blow in the ribs. And this was only a practice. It made Walker almost jolly. "It's getting close to the playoffs," said the forward, smiling about the testiness being exhibited by his teammates. "The intensity is picking up, and tempers are flaring."

The Major Indoor Soccer League's Rookie of the Year award has now gone hand in hand with the Blast, UMBC and the Baltimore area the past two seasons. Yesterday, the league announced that midfielder P.J. Wakefield was an overwhelming choice by the media that covers the league, along with coaches and management. He succeeds teammate Billy Nelson for the honor. Both are former UMBC standouts. Blast veteran defender Sean Bowers, a three-time league Defender of the Year, was named to the All-MISL first team for the fifth time in his nine-year career.

Bobby McAvan used humor to initially sidestep the toughest decision he has had to make since taking over as Blast coach in December. Right after the Blast's 15-12 victory over the Milwaukee Wave on Sunday, sending the Major Indoor Soccer League's championship series to a deciding third game tomorrow in Milwaukee, the obvious question came: Who would start in goal -- Scott Hileman or Brett Phillips? McAvan first suggested a coin flip and then said whichever goalie was the quickest to buy him a glass of red wine on the flight to Milwaukee.

Outdoor Moderate hike: Sierra Club Howard County Group will sponsor a moderate, seven-mile hike along the Little Gunpowder to Jerusalem Mill. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at the White Marsh Park & Ride, and should bring lunch and water. Admission is free. Liability waivers must be signed. 410-248- 2974, before 9:30 p.m. Soccer Classes, leagues: Soccer Dome, 7330 Montevideo Road, Jessup, is accepting registration for fall soccer classes and for leagues that are to begin play this month.