Blaze Victorious over Machine 14-10
Published on July 30, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
Kennesaw- The Atlanta Blaze hosted the Ohio Machine Friday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, ultimately winning the game 14-10. Atlanta trailed most of the game, but when they found the lead in the 3rd quarter, they held onto it for the remainder of the game.
The Blaze started off slowly, with Ohio quickly scoring off with two goals to start the first quarter. Atlanta soon went on their own two-goal run and tied the game with only five minutes left in the first quarter. However, by the end of the quarter Ohio added two more goals, creating a two-point lead going into the second quarter. With only one minute into the second quarter Ohio scored again leading the Blaze by three, 5-2. Big hits combined with big penalties allowed for both teams to score on man-up opportunities but by halftime, Ohio was left leading the Blaze 8-6.
Start of the second half meant a goalie switch for Atlanta, with Adam Ghitleman taking over for Dillon Ward. Several great saves from Ghitleman eventually led the Blaze to tie up the game 8-8. Mark Matthews with a goal and a 2-point goal from Scott Ratliff gave Atlanta their first lead of the game in 11-8. Mark Matthews heated up towards the end of the third quarter scoring a hat trick and increasing the Blaze lead to four to end the third quarter. With eight saves on ten shots, Ghitleman was unstoppable since the start of the second half.
The fourth quarter was strong defensively for both teams and remained scoreless through the first eight minutes. However, Mark Matthews came up with another score for his fourth goal of the night. Ohio only scored once more in the game, to end the 4th quarter 14-10 for the Blaze.
Mark Matthews was the player of the game for the Atlanta Blaze scoring four goals and one assist for a total of five points.
The Atlanta Blaze will play their final game of the season next Thursday against the Rochester Rattlers at 7:30 pm.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 30, 2016
- Cannons Defeat the Rochester Rattlers - Boston Cannons
- Blaze Victorious over Machine 14-10 - Atlanta Blaze
- Hounds Drop Second in a Row to Outlaws - Charlotte Hounds
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