Adding Fuel to the Fire: Matthews Returns, Schantz and Thomson Join
July 31, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
Atlanta, GA - As the MLL prepares for the second half to resume play in Week 9, teams begin to eye their final rosters with hopes set on making a playoff run. After enjoying a successful Week 8 with a 15-12 win over The Boston Cannons, The Blaze found themselves sitting at 5-4 and fourth in the MLL standings. Spencer Ford and the Atlanta coaching staff took advantage of the extended break, making a few key roster moves.
Atlanta's highlight acquisition was the addition of lefty attackman Mark Matthews- who was selected as the 2018 National Lacrosse League MVP following a 116-point (32 goals, 84 assists) season with the Saskatchewan Rush. Matthews is one of the most talented attackmen in lacrosse and is widely recognized around the world. He returns to the Blaze for his third season with Atlanta- and eighth in the MLL.
Matthews was drafted in the first round of the 2012 Major League Lacrosse draft by Atlanta, where he scored 19 goals in 9 games. In 2013, he joined the New York Lizards, where he had 11 goals in 8 games. He switched teams again for the 2014 season, this time to the Rochester Rattlers. In his two years there, he played in 8 games and scored 17 goals. In 2016, again wit the Blaze, Matthews had his career-high goals with 23. He stayed with Atlanta for the 2017 season, where he had 13 goals in 6 games. In 2018, Matthews joined the Ohio Machine, but only participated in 2 games.
The Blaze opened their transactions by agreeing to exchange midfielder Timmy Monahan for Dallas midfielder Drew Schantz. Schantz, a Notre Dame standout, was a 2019 MLL Rookie Selection for The Rattlers.
Midfielder Tanner Thomson out of Marquette was also added to the active 25-man roster. Thomson paved the way for Marquette this season, leading the team in goals with 26 and totaling 38 total points through 13 games played in his 2019 campaign. He also earned All-Big EAST Second and First Teams in his college career.
Atlanta returns from the All-Star break leading the league in goals scored (135) and averaging 15 goals per game. Sporting a +10-point differential through nine games played, the Blaze offense has been extremely efficient this season. With the recent acquisitions of Mark Matthews, Drew Schantz and Tanner Thomson, there are no signs of that stopping.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 31, 2019
- Adding Fuel to the Fire: Matthews Returns, Schantz and Thomson Join - Atlanta Blaze
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