I’m here at 1st Mariner Arena for the Blast’s second home game of the season. Up against the 1-3 Missouri Comets (a new addition to the Major Indoor Soccer League this offseason), the Blast is also celebrating Hall of Fame night. Defender Doug Neely is the newest member to be inducted during halftime of tonight’s game. He will join former Blast stars Keith Van Eron, Dominic Mobilio, Kenny Cooper, Stan Stamenkovic, Mike Stankovic, and Tim Wittman, among others.
Ranking in the top 20 of the Blast’s all-time regular season scoring list, Neely played for the original Blast in 1991, the Spirit from 1992-1994, and again for the Blast from 1998-2002.
“Doug was one of my favorite players,” said Blast Owner Ed Hale in a press release issued by the team. “He was a fierce competitor and very effective on the field and, in typical Blast tradition, he represented us very well off the field.”
Neely also represented Baltimore as a three-time All-Star and was a Third-Team All-League selection in 1993. Do you have any favorite Doug Neely memories? Allow me to help you make a new one.
New Blast Hall of Fame inductee Doug Neely shows a little leg back in his playing days. Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Blast
That’s right. You thought Doug Neely was making the Hall of Fame for his playing skills, but I suspect it may have something to do with that impeccable style. Don’t be surprised if at the next Blast game you spot me with longer hair and an awesome sweatband.
In other news, the Comets are winning 8-4, thanks to two three-pointers from midfielder Vahid Assadpour and forward Byron Alvarez. Midfielder Geison Moura also scored for Missouri.
The Comets are looking strong, and the Blast will need more of what they saw early in the game. Returning star forward Adauto Neto scored quickly, and forward Machel Millwood scored easily on a penalty kick to get the Blast a lead they will want to regain.
Filed in: Baltimore Blast.
Tags: awesome sweatbands, Baltimore Blast, Doug Neely, Hall of Fame, soccer
