THUNDER BAY - Despite being just halfway over the mid-season mark, the Chill (3-3-1) are already approaching must-win territory.
In the Heartland Division, the Chill sit one spot back of a playoff spot in third place behind the Des Moines Menace and Kaw Valley FC.
But the gap between the hometown team and Kaw Valley is 11 points. With just six games remaining, the Chill will need near-perfect play, and a little luck to see their season extend into the playoffs.
It puts the pressure on for this weekend’s homestand against visiting Green Bay and St. Louis.
“The games are massive. They are two must-wins. We can’t do the math, we need to come out of this weekend with six points,” head coach Gio Petraglia said.
After a disappointing follow-up to a championship run in 2017, the Chill once again had a slow start to the 2019 season. Losing their two opening away games, the Chill could only muster a draw against division bottom-feeders WSA Winnipeg in the home opener.
They cleaned up their act against Winnipeg by winning their next three contests, but had their backs against the wall versus the first-place Des Moines Menace last Saturday.
After conceding two goals to Des Moines, the Chill’s Marco Kuemmerle cut the deficit with a header, and Manuel Achondo converted a penalty kick in the 74th minute. Two red cards had forced the Chill to play with nine men for most of the second half.
Petraglia said it was a moment where the team finally showed the sense of togetherness he believes they’re capable of.
“That’s the hardest thing to do for Thunder Bay: fielding the team. It goes above technical, or tactical, or physical. It’s a sense of belonging on this club. I believe after the second half of last week, we are on the same page.”
Sullivan Silva, now in his fourth year on the Chill, said the moments that seem like rock bottom are a chance to be a leader.
“As the oldest player I got to keep those players on track. Not only physically but mentally. Try to remind everyone if we keep working hard the chances will come.”
The Chill will take on the expansion Green Bay Voyageurs on Saturday, before playing the St. Louis Lions on Canada Day.
In regards to Green Bay, Petraglia said, “It’s a team that doesn’t have a lot of experience but I think that’s an advantage for them. They just come out and play. It will be a great game for anyone who comes to watch.
Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. at Fort William Stadium.
