Ten years of high-energy indoor soccer is celebrating its tenth year in Harrisburg. Though there have been a number of exciting moments throughout those ten years — including a winning inaugural season that lead to a playoff birth — last season proved a disappointment, with the Heat winning only 16 of their 44 games. But, after last year, both General Manager Gregg Cook and this year’s 2000-2001 Heat are nothing if not positive, with high hopes for this, the anniversary year of their first decade in the league.

The season, which began on the road, started on a positive note. The Heat won two of their three season openers, and veteran goalie Doug Petras’ incredible first weekend performance earned him Player of the Week honors from the National Professional Soccer League. In addition to stopping 50 out of 56 and a 2-0 opening weekend performance, Petras made his 2000th career save — a Harrisburg Heat franchise record.

It was this spirit of optimism that filled the Harrisburg Farm Show Building on November 4. Expectations for the 10th Anniversary season are high. Unfortunately enthusiasm and fan support were not enough to muster a win over Denison Cabral — an incredibly quick and high-scoring Mid-Fielder — and the Baltimore Blast, last year’s Eastern Division champions. The game was fast-paced and exciting, but in the end the Blast prevailed, winning 18-13.

With two early wins and two tough losses under their belt, the Harrisburg Heat’s season is already shaping up to be an exciting one. Little is decided early, but the road ahead looks interesting.

If you haven’t seen the Heat play, you should, and if you have, go again. It should be a great season.