Springfield, MO – It won’t be easy but the Thunder Bay Chill still have hopes of making the playoffs. After suffering two losses to the Des Moines Menace by 1-0 and 2-1 scores over the weekend, the Chill’s hopes of winning the Heartland have all but evaporated. As a result, the Chill can take the second spot should they win the remaining 3 games in the state of Missouri this week.
First on the Chill’s radar is the Springfield Demize. The Chill (5-5) takes on the Demize (3-4-3) today at 8:30 pm EDT. The Chill squeaked by the Demize on June 7, 2014 winning 1-0 in Thunder Bay. ‘”It won’t be easy taking 3 points from them in Springfield”, said Chill head Coach Tony Colistro. “It is vital that we win to have any hope of making the playoffs, but they are a very good side, they are well organized and will make it difficult for us no doubt” he continued.
Thunder Bay is 18-0-0 lifetime against the Demize since they joined the PDL in 2007. The Chill has also outscored Springfield 50-5. The Demize also have hopes of securing their first ever playoff spot, making this game a must win for both sides.
The Chill will then travel to St. Louis where the Lions (3-2-3) await them for two games on Thursday July 3, 2014 and Saturday July 5, 2014. The Lions are currently sitting in third place in the division three points behind the Chill. The outcome of these games will likely determine which team will take the one of the two playoff spots available to the Heartland Division. St. Louis is coming off a defeat to the Springfield Demize last Thursday but also beat the Chill 2-1 in Thunder Bay on June 6, 2014.
The playoffs are still in sight for the Chill who as their opponents is in control of their own destiny. Everyone needs to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.