Bayhawks Travel To Chicago Saturday
Published on July 23, 2009 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
Washington, DC - The Washington Bayhawks (3-6) of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) know their postseason hopes need more than one week of strong play. But with the playoffs hanging in the balance, the Bayhawks travel to Chicago this weekend for their second match with the Chicago Machine this season. The game will be played at Toyota Park in Chicago, IL on Saturday, July 25th at 8:00 PM EST.
A win this weekend will not guarantee a playoff berth, but it will keep the hope in Washington alive for another week. For Chicago, one more loss this season will end their chances at their first postseason appearance. The Bayhawks are 3-0 all-time against the Machine, and this will be the second of three match-ups they have with Chicago this summer. The two teams will meet again next weekend on August 1st in Annapolis.
"We know the pressure both teams will be playing under this weekend," said Bayhawks Head Coach John Tucker. "We had a great first half last week against Denver, but we let the game get away from us late. We're going to need to play three complete games now to keep the season going, and that starts with Chicago on Saturday."
The Bayhawks led the Denver Outlaws last weekend 3-1 at the midway point but could not hold on for the win. The Outlaws outshot the Bayhawks 19-15 in the second half, and the Bayhawks could not find the back of the cage at all in the fourth quarter as they fell 11-8.The Bayhawks have led five of their nine games at halftime and only managed to hold on for the win in two games.
Goalie Chris Garrity has been the most solid player for the Bayhawks over the past three games. Garrity allowed only one goal in the first half against Denver, and has posted a 10.04 goals against average over his recent hot stretch after not playing in two games earlier in the season. The Bayhawks net-minder has a .610 save percentage over that stretch as well.
The last time the Bayhawks met the Machine, the game was played in Milwaukee, and the Bayhawks left with a 16-14 win which included a two hour thunderstorm delay. Saturday's weather looks clear in Chicago, but the Bayhawks hope to continue the two-point assault they established in the first meeting. The Bayhawks scored five two-point goals tying an MLL single game record, and Midfielder Kyle Dixon scored three himself which also tied an MLL single game record. This season, Dixon leads the MLL with eight two-point goals, and he is three short of the MLL season record of 11.
The biggest story of the season has been the youth movement in the nation's capital. Seven rookies have seen playing time for the Bayhawks this season following the MLL Collegiate Draft in May. Attackman Danny Glading, a Tewaaraton finalist, earned MLL Rookie of the Week honors for his five point performance against the Machine. Another Tewaaraton finalist, Matt Abbott, has been a key to the Bayhawks transition game the past few weeks. Annapolis native Ben Hunt, who was not selected until the fourth round of the draft, has been a big surprise for the Bayhawks. Hunt has scored a goal in each of his three games including a two-point tally, and he has five points on the season. Jeff Reynolds scored his first goal of his career against Denver on Saturday and added his second goal just minutes later.
A win will go a long way to helping the Bayhawks claw back into the playoff picture after a setback last weekend. In the meantime, Washington can only follow the old adage and take it one game at a time.
The Bayhawks return to Annapolis for their home game finale on Saturday, August 1st at 7:00 PM EST against the Chicago Machine. The game will be Fan Appreciation Night, and all fans can use any unused tickets from prior games to come to the August 1st game. Tickets are still available as well. To reserve your tickets, contact the Bayhawks ticket office at 866-99-HAWKS (42957) or by going to the Bayhawks website at www.washingtonbayhawks.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 23, 2009
- Toronto Nationals Clinch Playoff Spot with Win - Hamilton Nationals
- Bayhawks Travel To Chicago Saturday - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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