Blaze Tough out Lizards, Rain in 12-11 Win
July 7, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
Atlanta, GA- The Atlanta Blaze (4-2) prevailed on a go-ahead goal from Shayne Jackson with no time left on the shot clock and less than a minute left on the game clock. Coming off of a frustrating Saturday night loss, The Blaze had no time to gripe before they were back at home and suiting up against the New York Lizards (1-5).
Atlanta started the game with early goals from attackman Shayne Jackson and midfielder Joe Reid to put the team up 2-0. Both teams went back and forth, trading scores to end the first quarter at 3-3.
However, the game slowed down dramatically in the second quarter due to rain showers soaking the area.
A score from midfielder Christian Mazzone tied the game at 6-6 before halftime. The Blaze went into halftime leading in shots on goal and turnovers. Alex Woodall enjoyed another career game after winning 16 out of 27 faceoffs for the day.
Long-stick midfielder Leo Stouros played well in his matchup against Rob Pannell, limiting Pannell to two goals and one assist on the night. With Stouros guarding Pannell for most of the game, Blaze defender Liam Byrnes stifled the Lizards with three caused turnovers and five ground balls.
The first of Pannell's two goals came with 7:39 left in the third quarter, pushing the Lizards to an 8-6 lead. Refusing to give up, the Blaze came scorching back, using scores from Bryan Cole and Brendan Sunday to knot the game at 8-8 going into the fourth quarter. "We had one message for the players: fight on," Spencer Ford said. "We will face adversity, but if we commit to fighting together we will be fine."
The message resonated throughout the team and was reinforced by the actions of Blaze captain Tommy Palasek. With less than a minute left on the clock, Palasek turned the ball over in the Lizard backfield of a crucial possession. However, he continued to fight on, forcing a turnover in that same backfield to retain possession.
"When I'm on the field with these guys, I make sure that they know I will do anything for them," Palasek said.
After finishing the game with three assists, Palasek's actions showed the same message as his words. Brendan Sunday finished with two goals and one assist, while netminder Chris Madalon collected 11 saves on 22 shots. Bryan Cole continues to have a spectacular season, adding four goals and one assist to his season total.
The Blaze have a short break traveling to Bronco Stadium to take on the Denver Outlaws on July 11th at 2 pm GMT. They return home Saturday to face the Boston Cannons here at Grady Stadium at 8 pm EST. Get tickets to the next Blaze home game at AtlantaBlaze.com/Tickets.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Bryan Cole- four goals and one assist
Shayne Jackson- two goal and two assists
Tommy Palasek- three assists
Liam Byrnes- three caused turnovers and five ground balls
Leo Stouros- limited Rob Pannell to two goals and one assist
Chris Madalon- 11 saves on 22 shots
Brendan Sunday- two goals and one assist
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 7, 2019
- Blaze Look to Rebound against Lizards - Atlanta Blaze
- Blaze Tough out Lizards, Rain in 12-11 Win - Atlanta Blaze
- Rattlers Fall at Home to Cannons - Dallas Rattlers
- Two Players Suspended for Fighting - MLL
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