Bolts Ready to "Put on Show" in Tonight's Home Opener
November 2, 2012 - Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL)
Anaheim Bolts News Release
ANAHEIM, Calif. - There was an air of determined anticipation about the Bolts players and coaches this morning as they took one last stroll through their home venue, the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, before it will be abuzz with excitement for the team's big home opener tonight. After a strenuous preseason, Head Coach Bernie Lilavois and his men take on expansion franchise Sacramento Surge at 7 p.m. PT, and the mission is clear - to set the tone for a successful season.
"I've been everything from excited to stressed and nervous about the home opener," Lilavois said. "But once the whistle blows, I know all that will go away and we'll all just be relieved that it's finally here. All the hard work and preparation will come to fruition. We just have to make sure that we focus on what matters on the field. We want to play well, put on a show for the fans and get our first win."
A living legend of the indoor game, and still listed as an alternate forward on his side's roster, the 42-year-old knows what it takes to win championships. He can't help but smile when thinking about the squad he has assembled for the 2012-13 PASL season. While bringing back a handful of standout players, such as the lethal attacking duo of Hugo Casillas and All-League first teamer Adriano de Lima, Lilavois opted to sign mostly new players in an attempt to improve on last season's 8-8 record.
"I'm really excited about our roster," he offered. "The thing that stands out most to me is how close the guys are already. They all like each other and help each other out. We've got some experienced guys and a lot of others who are brand-new to the indoor game. What unites them is that most of them are local guys who share a common mentality. That will go a long way for us this season.
"If a team of mostly new players can quickly gel off the field, that will always translate on the field. That's why I'm not surprised that these guys already play together like they're in midseason. That bodes well for us."
One of the reasons the team made such rapid progress is Brazilian De Lima, who is last season's Bolts top scorer and also serves as an Assistant Coach to Lilavois for 2012-13.
"It was a challenge trying to get the new players in sync on dead-ball situations and on the specific plays we've been working on," the veteran attacker said. "As the returning guys, we've been doing our best to fill everyone in on the keys to our game and help them learn as quickly as possible. I'm really enjoying that all of them are so eager to put in the work and get on the same page. All of our sessions have been very competitive and intense."
A major change from the previous campaign is that Lilavois, De Lima and the rest of the coaching staff have made a point of selecting mostly players who hail from Southern California . De Lima explained the reasoning behind this decision.
"It helps having mostly local guys who already know each other, because that makes for better chemistry on the field," he said. "That chemistry is very important because what distinguishes us from the majority of the other teams is that we want to be technical as opposed to physical. Our goal is to win games by keeping the ball and controlling the tempo."
The first hurdle in trying to do so is tonight's opponent, the Sacramento Surge. An expansion franchise for the 2012-13 campaign, the Surge is led by Head Coach Jorge Fernandez, who will also suit up as a defender, and features two players with previous professional indoor experience in midfielder Juan Flores and defender Pedro Lupercio. The Sacramento roster, which only lists one forward, boasts a total of ten players from Latin America .
Despite the Surge being brand-new to the PASL, Bolts Head Coach Lilavois isn't unfamiliar with the visitors from Northern California . His side will have a quick turnaround after tonight's match, as they travel to take on another expansion franchise in the Las Vegas Legends Sunday.
"I've played both with and against Sacramento 's coach," Lalavois said in looking ahead to the first of the back-to-back matches. "I've also played with and coached several of their players, so I know their style and what they bring to the table physically. That said, games still need to be won on the field. We're certainly preparing for their unique strengths and weaknesses, but we really want to focus on executing our own game plan.
"The same applies to the game in Vegas. They have several former Bolts guys, and I've played with (Legends Head Coach) Greg Howes on the U.S. national team and for the ( California ) Cougars. I've also had an opportunity to watch them play, so I have a pretty good idea of their style and game plan. But again, we want to focus on us. There are a lot of good players on both teams we're facing, so we have to make sure we play our best soccer and take care of business."
De Lima, one of the league's most technically gifted players, is confident his side will start out the campaign on the right foot and make Orange County proud in 2012-13.
"Last season I did very well personally, but the team didn't achieve its goals," the 31-year-old offered. "This time around I want to help the Bolts to a successful campaign, which means reaching the playoffs and fighting for a championship. It's great to have a fresh start with a strong combination of players. I hope a lot of people will come out to see our exciting brand of soccer and then come back next time with their friends and family."
Professional Arena Soccer League Stories from November 2, 2012
- Sidekicks, Heat Traditions Restored Saturday - PASL
- Bolts Ready to "Put on Show" in Tonight's Home Opener - Anaheim Bolts
- Anaheim Bolts Announce Extensive Bilingual Broadcast Package - Anaheim Bolts
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