Adolfo Ovalle was playing in the Chilean First Division a decade ago, the last time he hoisted a trophy, so you can understand his excitement heading into Saturday's Pro League National Championship game against Greenville.
"This is a special situation," said Ovalle.
With a win over Greenville, the Blitzz would claim the league title in just its second season in the USL. Not bad for a franchise that many people said wouldn't last. The game starts at 3 p.m. at Franklin Covey Field.
For the Blitzz, it all starts with defense. Sure they have Fadi Afash, the league leader with 19 goals this year, but his exploits are made possible by Utah's defense.
If Chris Agnello's quest for the cup is completed, he'll look back on the day he signed Ovalle as perhaps the key day. Ovalle brought 10 years of South American soccer experience to the Blitzz, and it's been priceless.
As the Blitzz prepare to take on the Lions, they can take comfort knowing they have the second-best defense in the league. That led to a regular season title, and an automatic berth into the finals. While some thought 20 days off would hamper the Blitzz, all they did was blank Stanislaus 3-0 in last weekend's semifinal.
"Our defense is just as any in the league," said Blitzz assist leader B.J. McNicol. "If they are going to score goals they'll have to be awfully good."
Greenville is the kind of team to pull it off. After finishing the regular season with a 5-10-3 record, it was impossible to fathom the Lions advancing this far. However, wins over Wilmington, Carolina and then Boston proves their legitimacy. Utah finished with 14 wins.
"I wouldn't be too fooled by that team," said Agnello. "That underdog label only works for so long."
In reality, it never should've began. Even though Greenville sputtered throughout the season, shortly before the playoffs began, it loaded up with numerous talented free agents. Playing in a stronger division, which the East is, sure helps as well.
"I would say without a doubt they are the favorites," said Agnello.
Playing at home would normally negate some of that advantage, but the Blitzz have only played once at Franklin Covey, which was a 4-2 win over Chico.
Whether it's been at Skyline High, Provo or even Rice-Eccles Stadium like last year, the Blitzz have only ever lost one regular season game. That was a 3-2 last-minute loss to Stanislaus last month. So if history is any indicator, the Blitzz should be fine.
"I am very excited to play this game," said Ovalle. "You always feel butterflies before every game, but that's normal."
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