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Drillers champing at the bit to get back on the soccer pitch |
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Written by Joanne Ireland
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Thursday, 06 January 2000 |
Finally, a change of pace. An end to endless practices. A chance to return to their old ways in a new year.
"It's time to get back on the field, the guys are getting edgy," said Ross Ongaro.
The head coach of the Edmonton Drillers has spent the last three weeks waiting for another game day. So have his players.
They have had a few days off. They have spent time on the practice field.
They have waited.
That all changes tonight when the Drillers take on the Kansas City Attack -- a 7:05 p.m. contest that kicks off a two-game series against the National Conference foes.
Game 2, also at Skyreach, goes Sunday.
"Built-up aggression, built-up intensity, whatever you want to call it, we're ready to play," said midfielder Kevin Holness.
"We were ready to play this game when we finished the last one because you can only practise so much and still wake up and look forward to practice again. It's been a long haul.
"And I know the guys are hungry, we don't have to worry about that. I know the intensity is going to be there.
"It's just a matter of getting into that game mode again."
The Drillers have been idle since Dec. 19. That night the club defeated Detroit 19-5 -- the Drillers' first road win in four starts, the 10th win of the season.
"Not only were we on a roll but at 10-3 you want the players to keep playing," said Ongaro.
"They were hot, they were scoring goals ... but we also looked at it as a chance to get healthy again. We know what's ahead of us. We know what February and March are like. And you can only train so much. You can only have so many days off."
Following six games this month -- all home contests -- the Drill will not get much of a breather.
There are 11 road contests in February, plus one at Skyreach, then another 13 games in March.
Seven of those will be played away from home.
First, however, there's tonight's tilt. And that was all that mattered to the players when they filed off the practice field again on Wednesday.
"We are anxious to get back at it, it's been a long layoff," said defender O'Neil Brown. "It almost feels like a new start to the season but at the same time, we're anxious to pick up where we left off.
"And this is the best place to start, at home."
During the layoff, the Drillers retained their hold on first place overall in the National Professional Soccer League.
The Attack had strung together four wins before dropping an overtime decision to St. Louis.
They arrive in Edmonton with a 6-6 record.
DRILL BITS
Game day: The Drillers and Kansas City Attack meet at Skyreach tonight. Kickoff is 7:05 p.m.
Hang 10? Still the proud architects of an undefeated home record, the Drillers will be looking to improve to 10-0 against K.C.
Line 'em up: Goalkeeper Paul Shepherd returns to the Drillers' lineup but the starting assignment is still in the hands of Carmen Isacco. Shepherd had torn cartilage removed from his right knee in December.
w Nebojsa Vignjevic will have to sit this one out with a hamstring injury; Alfredo Valente will step in to replace him.
Keep an eye on: Clovis Simas, the NPSL's offensive player in December, has scored 60 points through 12 games -- a pace that has the rookie sitting in the top-10 list.
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