Blaze Win Season Opener at Grady Stadium
June 3, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
ATLANTA - Atlanta Blaze head coach Liam Banks jotted down some team objectives prior to the season opener against the Denver Outlaws on Sunday afternoon.
After finishing 7-7 and watching the Outlaws win their third MLL championship, Banks wanted to set the tone early. At the top of the short list was the phrase: "Come out with a win."
In front of a raucous crowd, the Blaze overcame the Outlaws comeback attempt to hold on to a 14-12 victory at Grady Stadium. It was the Blaze first win in Atlanta after relocating from Kennesaw in the offseason.
"It's incredible, and it was awesome," Banks said. "I know our fan base will continue to grow as some kids probably watched lacrosse for the first time today. Having lacrosse down in Atlanta is super special to me and the Atlanta Blaze organization."
The Blaze were efficient against the Outlaws. Attacker Tommy Palasek ignited the offense early with two of his three goals in the second period. His activity in the box seemed to settle down the team and the Blaze responded by cashing in easy goal opportunities.
Attacker Randy Staats took full advantage as a facilitator with three assists to go along with his two goals. However, it was midfielder Bryan Cole that shined down the stretch. He took over late and secured the Blaze victory.
With 3:57 left and the game tied, Cole guided the Blaze offense. He took advantage of a favorable matchup and deposited the go-ahead goal off a nifty pass. The shot hit the upper-left quadrant of the goal and traveled past the outstretched arm of Outlaws' goalie Dylan Ward.
The Blaze took the lead and didn't relinquish over the final minutes. They scored three of the final four goals to improve to 1-0 on the season.
"I think he (Cole) is one of the best midfielders in the world," Banks said. "It's why we brought him in because he is a guy that wants the ball in his stick. He took care of it and put it in the back of the goal."
The Outlaws put up a valiant effort behind goal-scorer Ryan Lee. The talented attacker scored five goals to keep the Outlaws in contention. Denver stayed close by getting their sticks in passing lanes to create transition goals off turnovers. This led to two mini-scoring runs that tied the game up.
However, it wasn't enough in the fourth period. Quality defense and timely saves from Blaze goalie Chris Madalon thwarted the Outlaws. Madalon quelled several shots and held the Outlaws to three goals in the final frame. His efforts earned him Player of the Game honors for the first time in his career.
"I got some big guys in front of me that are willing to fight to make sure that I am not getting slam dunked on," Madalon said. "A lot of credit goes to the defense."
The defense was the calling card during training camp. Banks called the camp one of the most aggressive he's seen in a long time. The Blaze brought that same mentality against the Outlaws on Sunday.
"It's a big win as Denver is always a tough test every year as they are well coached and have a lot of great players," Palasek said. "It's always good to get the first one. I think this might have been the first time the Blaze have won the home opener."
The Blaze hope to continue stacking wins as the regular season progresses. The offense will likely be the strength of the squad. With copious scoring options, the Blaze will be a difficult team to defend.
According to Palasek, it's certainly not a bad thing.
"We have six guys on offense that can score goals," Palasek said. "When we play unselfishly and play with each other, we can do some nice-looking things."
The Blaze will be back in action against the Outlaws on June 8. The rematch comes early as the Outlaws look to even up the season series.
"I think we did a good job to get the first one," Madalon said. "We play them again next week and hopefully we can keep it rolling."
Game Box Score is available at the following link: https://majorleaguelacrosse.com/documents/2019/6/2//Box_Score_DEN_ATL_6_2.pdf
The Denver Outlaws return to Grady Stadium to take on the Blaze in a primetime matchup at Saturday, June 8th, at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available at AtlantaBlaze.com/Tickets.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 3, 2019
- Blaze Win Season Opener at Grady Stadium - Atlanta Blaze
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