BUFC relying on team chemistry

After a disappointing 2-11-1 season, Bellingham United is looking to stay healthy in 2016 and add on to its core group with players from local colleges and around the globe.

Captains Brendan Quilici and Nick Cashmere return to give the team a foundation to build upon.

“It’s nice to have chemistry already created from last summer and indoor this past winter,” Cashmere said in a press release

Joining them will be players from Gonzaga, Saint Martin’s University and Western Washington University. United is also bringing in several international players such as New Zealand defender Lukas Bayliss and Brazilian Thiago Novis, who plays at Montana State Billings University.

Coach Lance Calloway stressed the importance of fielding a consistent lineup to be successful.

“Last season was a real challenge as we rarely fielded the same lineup match to match due to injuries and other life events,” Calloway said in a press release. “We also expect to be more effective in front of the net as last year we struggled. I believe we have players who are sharper this season than last and are more goal dangerous.”

United is also looking to improve on the defensive side as last year they saw opponents score 46 goals and were the league worst in shutouts.

Bellingham United’s first game is against Wenatche at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1 at Civic Stadium.

This story was originally published April 30, 2016 at 7:34 PM with the headline "BUFC relying on team chemistry."