Boston Cannons at New York Lizards Game Notes and Game Preview
Published on June 17, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release
Boston, MA - The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier outdoor lacrosse league travel to New York to square off against the New York Lizards for the first time this season on Saturday, June 18.
As far as rivalries go in Boston and New York sports, the Cannons and Lizards rivalry is one that needs to be added into the mix. This weekend's game promises both a tough and an intense battle.
Flashback to August 1, 2015. The last time these two teams met in what was arguably one of the best games in lacrosse history. Boston saw their season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion at the hands of the Lizards in a 16-15 overtime victory. New York's Matt Gibson struck 2:46 into the overtime frame propelling the Lizards to the MLL finals.
The Cannons are 17-21 in all time play against the New York franchise. Boston has lost four straight to the Lizards dating back to 2013, and have only won two tilts against the team since 2011.
It will be crucial for the Cannons to find success this weekend in New York in order to gain some momentum heading into the final five games of the season.
Coach Quirk touched upon it in his weekly phone conference with the league. The Cannons are hungry for a win against New York, a team they haven't won against in Long Island dating back to 2006. The bitter taste and memory of the season ending loss last August is still fresh in their minds.
Last time out, Boston suffered a 17-14 loss against the Charlotte Hounds at Harvard Stadium. A bright spot in the loss was midfielder, Josh Hawkins, who tallied a hat trick and Joe Nardella continued his dominance at the face-off X. Nardella won 18-of-33 face-offs to gain possession for the Cannons.
Rob Pannell leads the Lizards in points this season having tallied 33 in six games, including 21 goals. Paul Rabil ranks second on the New York offense with 23 points and is always an offensive threat against any team. Since the Rabil trade to New York, the Lizards have had a 15-5 record.
Boston will look to Will Manny to spark the offense. The attackman was unusually quiet last game and kept off the scoreboard completely for the first time all season. Midfielders, Brent Adams, Kevin Buchanan and Justin Turri will also be looked at to lead the Cannons offensive flare.
New pickup, attackman, Kylor Bellistri is expected to make his MLL and Cannons debut on Saturday. Bellistri was selected by Boston as part of the Waiver Draft on June 13. Bellistri spent his college career at Brown where he played under Cannons offensive coach, Sean Kirwan.
Kirwan is familiar with the playing style that Bellistri brings to the playing field, and is optimistic that Bellistri will fit into the Cannons system.
This weekend's game in New York is sure to be another heated battle between the two squads. The Cannons will be truly tested as a team in Long Island and must work together to scrape out a win.
The Cannons are back at home on Thursday night, June 23 against the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
The game marks the Cannons inaugural "Cannons Fighting Cancer" initiative. Cannons Fighting Cancer will unite the lacrosse, medical and research communities to raise funds and awareness for philanthropic and research organizations that are focused on finding a cure for cancer and providing services, support and care for individuals and families who are impacted by the disease. The Cannons have partnered with The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) and its Play4theCure ™ platform as the primary beneficiary for this special game night.
Cannons Fighting Cancer will bring together and honor members of the Greater Boston medical, science, philanthropic, survivor and lacrosse communities for their continuous efforts in the fight against cancer. Cannons fans can nominate inspirational individuals making an impact against cancer to be recognized at the game by sharing their story on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CannonsFightingCancer. Nominations can also be emailed to community@bostoncannons.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 17, 2016
- Boston Cannons at New York Lizards Game Notes and Game Preview - Boston Cannons
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