Attack had Drillers' number

Written by Joanne Ireland

Tuesday, 04 April 2000

They say there are some things worth forgetting, like a couple of home losses to the Kansas City Attack. Three losses in Missouri have also slipped the minds of the Edmonton Drillers but what the heck, it's a new season -- at least that's what they were saying on Monday. "All thrown out the window," said LeBaron Hollimon. "We're both 0- 0 again." The Drillers roll into the National Professional Soccer League playoffs tonight -- the opening game of a semifinal showdown with the Kansas City Attack. The other best-of-three National Conference matchup pits the Milwaukee Wave and the Wichita Wings. "We're healthy, we're rested, and we're coming off a big win," said Edmonton coach Ross Ongaro. "I think the tables may be turned. They may be a little bit on the tired side." The Attack was 5-0 against the Drillers this season, a string of victories that certainly suggests this is a one-sided fight. The Drillers say otherwise. They paid their opponents their due, then talked playoff talk. "We just have to be patient because once the game gets going, we match up pretty well," Sipho Sibiya said. "It's just the initial attacks because they can break up our press. "Their goalie distributes the ball well and Wes Wade buzzes around causing some problems. ... They have some veteran guys on that team that can slow the game down or pick it up whenever they want. "But they're coming in tired and that's something we have to take advantage of. "This is definitely the toughest game and we have to win it because I know we can steal one on the road." The Attack, the Midwest Division champs, flew into Edmonton on Monday, a day after they closed out the regular season with a 24-20 loss in Montreal. It was their third game in four days. The Drillers played their final game on Friday, a last-second 14- 12 win over the defending league champs from Cleveland. "I'm sure that's on their minds," said Hollimon. "They've had a lot of games, they've travelled, they've come here knowing we're going to play our up-tempo style. "And then we travel the next day and play again Thursday; so I'm sure that will alter their game plan, as opposed to the other times when they've caught us on those bad days." TheDrillers have most of their starters back from injuries. "Your preparation changes," said Hollimon, referring to the playoffs. "The way you approach every play changes because now every mistake is magnified. "But this is what it's all about, the drive for the championship," Hollimon said. DRILL BITS ROUND ONE: The Drillers and the Kansas City Attack meet tonight in the opening game of the National Conference semifinal series. Kickoff at Skyreach is 7:05 p.m. FLASHBACK: A year ago, the teams squared off in the semis. The Drill lost Game 1 in K.C. They turned around and won two straight on their home turf. Edmonton was eventually knocked out by St. Louis. LEADING THE ATTACK: Clovis Simas, a shoo-in for the rookie of the year, racked up 175 points and finished fourth in the league scoring race. Wily veteran Wes Wade can also create some havoc, having scored 139 points this year. In goal, it will be Warren Westcoat, who rolled up a record of 22-17. His points against average was 12.74.