After Tough Loss, San Francisco Down, But Not Out in Playoff Hunt
August 5, 2006 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
San Francisco Dragons News Release
San Francisco, CA - Needing a win today to clinch a playoff spot, the Dragons (6-5) fell far short of that, suffering a 20-11 defeat at the hands of the LA Riptide (6-5). In front of a crowd of 2,998 at sunny Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, the Dragons matched a season high in points allowed (20), and matched a season low in offensive production (11) which added up to their most lopsided loss in franchise history.
The story of the game can be told in two parts; a neck-and-neck game in the first half which ended with the Riptide leading 9-7, and a blowout in the second half in which the Riptide outscored the Dragons 11-4.
The teams traded goals throughout the first quarter until a shot by Riptide attacker Michael Watson put the Riptide up, 4-3, with 4:50 left to play in the first.
Los Angeles held the lead until the Dragons countered with two back- to-back goals by Brad Reppert and Joe Yevoli, tying the game, 7-7, with 4:21 left to play in the half. Dragon Ryan Powell assisted on both goals. The MLL's leading scorer, Powell would finish the day with 3 points (1+2).
Two quick goals by the Riptide's Kevin Dougherty and Andrew "Bugsy" Combs gave Los Angeles a 9-7 lead going into the half.
Combs, who scored five goals in the contest, was named the Bud Light Player of the Game.
Lightning quick scoring strikes by the Riptide highlighted the second half as Los Angeles outscored the Dragons, 11-4. Constant offensive pressure by Los Angeles held the Dragons to just one goal in the final quarter.
With the loss to Los Angeles on Saturday, the Dragons remain winless against the Riptide, losing all three matchups of the 2006 season. The Riptide stunned the surging Dragons on July 22-23rd, beating San Francisco in both games of the back-to-back series. The Dragons rebounded last weekend with a 14-9 victory at Rochester.
Los Angeles will try to add to their impressive four game winning streak next weekend, capping their season with a home game against the Outlaws.
To make the playoffs, the Dragons must win their last game against the Chicago Machine and the Riptide must lose their final game to the Denver Outlaws. After beating the Machine in Chicago today by a score of 17-13, Denver improves to 9-2, the Outlaws drop to a record of 0-11.
San Francisco hosts the Chicago Machine next Saturday, August 12th, at Kezar Stadium in the Dragons final game of the regular season. The Dragons have defeated the Machine in the team's two matchups earlier in the season. Game time for next Saturday's contest is scheduled for 1pm, and the contest will be the ESPN2 MLL game of the week.
New Balance Championship Weekend Semifinals - August 25th at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Championship Game - August 27th at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets start as low as $20, save on a two-day package Discounts for groups of 10 or more also available Call 1-866-4LAX (1.866.452.9849) or visit www.lariptide.com
About the San Francisco Dragons The San Francisco Dragons, Northern California's newest professional sports franchise, began its inaugural season in May of 2006 as a member of the 10-team Major League Lacrosse (MLL) league. The Dragons, based at historic Kezar Stadium's 9,044-seat track & field facility, provide fun, affordable family entertainment showcasing America's "fastest growing team sport" in addition to being the foremost resource for the lacrosse community.
The Dragons play 12 games in the regular season, with its six home games being played at Kezar Stadium. The inaugural game was played May 28th with over 5,600 fans in attendance. Season, group and individual tickets for the Dragons are available. For tickets or more information, call 415-573-2525 or www.sfdragons.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 5, 2006
- Cannons Beat Up Bayhawks 23-16 - Boston Cannons
- Pride alive and kicking in playoff chase - New Jersey Pride
- After Tough Loss, San Francisco Down, But Not Out in Playoff Hunt - San Francisco Dragons
- Machine Defeated By Outlaws In Final Home Game - Chicago Machine
- Outlaws Corral Western Conference Crown - Denver Outlaws
- Barrage Beat Rattlers 18-13 - Philadelphia Barrage
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