Barrage versus Cannons, Rematch at Villanova Thursday
June 28, 2006 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Philadelphia Barrage News Release
For the second time in less than a week, the Barrage will take on the Boston Cannons Thursday night at 7:30 in Villanova Stadium. Last Saturday night in Boston, the Cannons (5-1 overall; 3-1 in the Eastern Conference) dealt the Barrage its first loss of the season by a score of 16-15.
The Barrage (5-1 overall; 3-1 in the Eastern Conference) are currently tied with the Cannons for first place in the league and looking to take a one game lead.
The game in Boston proved to be yet another display of the rivalry between the two cities' many sports franchises. The game had its share of trash talking before, during and after the game.
Barrage defenseman Brian Spallina started things off by personally greeting some of the Cannons players as they ran out of the tunnel for introductions. Then things really heated up in the second quarter when an uncharacteristic six penalties were handed out by officials in an attempt to keep things under control, including "unsportsmanlike conduct" calls on Spallina, Barrage defensive midfielder Joe Ceglia and Cannons midfielder Drew Pfarr.
Following the game Cannons defenseman Chris Passavia kept the ball rolling by down playing the Barrage's physical style of play. "I don't think [this game] game was physical at all," he said. "To put it bluntly, it's all smoke and mirrors with those guys."
The rivalry has proven to result in fan-friendly games that continually come down to the wire.
"It does have something to do with the [Philadelphia - Boston] rivalry but also the close games are a by-product of guys on both teams knowing each other very well," said Barrage Head Coach Tony Resch.
Last year the Barrage played the Cannons three times with each game being decided by one point.
The key match-up in this week's game is between two local stars. Barrage defenseman Kyle Sweeney will again guard Cannons attackman John Christmas. Sweeney played at Springfield High School and Christmas played at Lower Merion High School. Christmas, who is averaging 3.3 points per game this season, was held to just 2 points Saturday by Sweeney. However, containing Christmas was a four-quarter battle for Sweeney.
"John is a true competitor; he goes hard in everything he does and has been the same way ever since I've know him. He is one of the most dangerous players in the league and I look forward to battling with him again on Thursday. I'm always up for a challenge," said Sweeney regarding Christmas.
Adding to the local feel is Barrage goalie Brian "Doc" Dougherty a former Episcopal Academy standout.
"John is great but he's young and has a lot to learn," said Dougherty referring to first quarter one-on-one breakaway shot from Christmas, which Dougherty stonewalled. "I know him well and Johnny doesn't want any part of me," added Dougherty.
This week's game will also have a poster giveaway sponsored by Verizon. Gates open at 6:30 to allow fans to enjoy the "SideLine Grille" which features an "all-you-can eat and drink" buffet and sideline seating. For tickets call 610.355.8999.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 28, 2006
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