Riot looking for third MISL victory
The Chicago Riot faces a two-game set against the Baltimore Blast in Major Indoor Soccer League acting this weekend, starting with Saturday night game in Baltimore. Chicago then hosts the Blast at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Odeum Sports and Expo Center in Villa Park.
Both games broadcast live on a webcast, accessible through MISL.net, and include Spanish-language radio at LaMaquinaDeportiva.com.
Sunday’s event at the Odeum includes a “Chicago Soccer Heritage Night” tribute, which features a first kick by former Fire defender C.J. Brown and the chance to see a long line of Chicago-area soccer greats — from the Chicago Sting’s Willy Roy and Pato Margetic, to former Fire and U.S. star Brian McBride of Arlington Heights.
Fans who wear a jersey of any former or current Chicago professional soccer team to the game will receive a free Riot pin and the chance to have their photo taken on the field at halftime with these soccer legends.
Tickets are $10 at ChicagoRiotSoccer.com or at 630-708-6284.
Earlier this week the Riot signed midfielder Ptah Myers, a veteran of six seasons who last played with the Philadelphia KiXX in 2009-2010. The team released Zlatko Zebic to make room for Myers, who has 73 goals, 33 assists, 168 points and 126 blocks in 160 games. Myers is available for both of this weekend’s games against Baltimore.
Chicago target forward Anthony Maher returns to the lineup after missing four straight games because of a cheekbone injury he suffered on Dec. 19 against Missouri.
“We’re always looking for veteran experience, and they are battlers who can step in and do the job,” Riot Head Coach Jeff Kraft said. “With Anthony returning, he’s a big presence up there. And the target position is very important because it brings a whole new dimension to the game.”
The Riot will again be without defender/midfielder Chris Brisson (knee) and goalkeeper Jeff Richey (hamstring). Goalkeeper Ante Cop, who recently won MISL weekly honors for his play, will get his third straight start in the net.
The Riot (2-7) is coming off a 16-8 loss to the Milwaukee Wave on Jan. 22 at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Baltimore (8-3) is coming off back-to-back victories last weekend —a 14-6 win over Milwaukee on Jan. 21, followed by a 15-13 victory against the Missouri Comets on Jan. 22.
The Riot’s season series with the Blast is tied, 1-1.