Blaze Offense Clips BayHawks for Road Win
Published on June 30, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
The Atlanta Blaze (3-1) handed the Chesapeake Bayhawks (2-1) their first loss of the season in their home opener for the 2019 season at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Blaze came into tonight's game leading the league in assists at 9.33 APG, and stayed true to their identity en route to a convincing 19-10 win.
The offense tallied 10 assists in the game, resulting in a game-high five goals for Shayne Jackson. Jackson now has 22 points through four games this season. Fellow attackman Randy Staats also scored three goals and had three assists for Atlanta. Chesapeake took a big hit early in the first quarter when faceoff specialist Kenny Massa left the game with an injury. Massa was the only faceoff specialist dressed for the Bayhawks. The Blaze took advantage with Alex Woodall winning 18 of 31 faceoffs on the night.
After a 3-4 first quarter, Atlanta went on a 7-0 run in the second to push the score to 10-4 with 7:53 left in the half. Atlanta went into halftime with a 10-5 lead and finished the third quarter leading 14-5. At one point, the Blaze went over 25 minutes without allowing a goal.
The Blaze clicked on all cylinders and limited the Bayhawks' transition by dominating ground balls 51-31. Chris Madalon was red-hot inside the crease, earning Player of the Game honors. Madalon followed up his 20 save game with a 19 save game, holding the Bayhawks to a season-low 10 goals.
For Chesapeake, Lyle Thompson fueled a comeback bid in the fourth quarter with back-to-back unassisted goals, but it proved to be too little, too late. The teams traded goals back and forth before the final buzzer sounded at 19-10. Thompson finished the game with four goals and two assists on 10 shots.
Both teams will prepare for a rematch at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on July 6th where the Bayhawks will be seeking retribution and the Blaze will look to replicate Saturday's performance. Make sure to vote your Atlanta Blaze stars for the MLL All-Star game! Voting ends July 8th. Purchase tickets for the next Blaze home game at Atlanta Blaze.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 30, 2019
- Blaze Offense Clips BayHawks for Road Win - Atlanta Blaze
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