Ironmen Open Season Sunday (Game Preview)

The season is finally upon us! The Ironmen will get their sophmore campaign underway this Sunday when they take on the Chicago Storm at the Prudential Center. The match is slated kick off at 4:00 PM.

The Ironmen feature an overhauled lineup that includes some of the best talent that the indoor game has to offer. The marquee off season move was the signing of star forward Aduato Neto. The 2005-2006 MISL MVP has notched an impressive 106 goals and 72 assists in 137 career indoor games.

The midfield corps will be lead by Goran Vasic, who is one of only six players to return from last season's squad. The 36-year-old Serb lead the team last year with 29 assists while adding 10 goals.

Defender Ryan Hall will help bolster a retooled back line. Hall's 57 blocked shots was third most in the MISL last season.

Tony Meola's departure will leave three goalkeepers vying for the starting spot. Brett Phillips will get the nod Sunday. Phillips most recently played for the United States National Futsal Team.

Here are a few more notes on the game:

* The Ironmen were 2-1 in head to head meetings with Chicago last season.

* The Storm's attack will be lead by former Red Bull New York first round draft pick Randi Patterson. The Hackensack, NJ native lead the Charleston Battery in scoring this past USL season.

* The Ironmen held a 14-16 record and finished in six place last season.

* Chicago went 15-15 and placed fifth.