Chris Agnello, the coach, has done a tremendous job guiding the Utah Blitzz into first place in Division 3's Western Division. Agnello, the general manager, made a player acquisition last week that might ensure the Blitzz stay in first.
That player is Neil Armour, a Scottish midfielder who spent the first part of this season playing for the Riverside Elite. Armour's Riverside contract had a clause enabling him to pursue another team if he so desired.
So when a combination of problems arose, he inquired about some other teams, and the Blitzz were the most eager.
"A player with his experience doesn't come along very often, so we jumped at the chance to sign him," said Agnello.
Armour played in both Blitzz games in Arizona last weekend, but tonight will be his home debut when Utah hosts the Colorado Comets at 7:30 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Like Utah, the Comets lead their division, the Rocky Division of the Premiere Development League, a notch below Division 3.
Friday's game won't be Armour's first time in Utah, however. In May Utah beat Riverside 2-1, a game in which Armour played.
"I thought when we played them here, they were a team that definitely played to their strengths," said Armour. "They defended well and got forward well."
Armour, 33, definitely has the experience and soccer knowledge to make an accurate analysis. He was born and raised in Scotland, where he played professionally with Scottish power Greenock Morton. He's also played in Hong Kong, Singapore and China during his 15 pro career.
His stay in China was a short one though — he couldn't stand the food.
For the time being Armour will continue to live in California with his wife, Christina, and his 7-week-old daughter, Chole. If all goes well with the Blitzz, and Armour is asked back for next season, he likely will move to Utah.
Armour will fly up for the games along with Matt West and Rich Breza, who also live in California.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com