MLL Boston Cannons

Cannons seize first place - roll past Philly

Published on June 29, 2006 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Boston Cannons News Release


Philadelphia, PA (June 29, 2006) The Boston Cannons (6-1) scored seven straight goals in the first half and didn't look back, rolling to a 16-5 win over the Philadelphia Barrage (5-2) at Villanova Stadium, seizing sole possession of first place in the MLL's Eastern Conference. The game was called with 13:00 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a lightening storm. The win is Cannons second over the Barrage in six days.

MLL games become official five minutes into the third quarter.

The lightening delay may have thwarted Bud Light MVP Chris Garrity's bid to set the league record for saves in a game. Garrity had 29 when the game was called, the record is 33 saves.

"I was seeing the ball extremely well tonight," said Garrity. "But I have to give credit to the defense I have in front of me. They were outstanding and made my job a lot easier."

Boston used stifling defense and a balanced offensive attack in muggy Philadelphia.

On offense the Cannons were paced by attackman Conor Gill. He dished out 4 assists and scored a goal. Chazz Woodson and Cannons rookie Matt Poskay both finished with hat tricks. Ten Boston players scored at least one goal, twelve Cannons recorded at least one point.

"We were looking to play a complete game and I think we did tonight," said Bill Daye, Cannons Head Coach. "Offensively and defensively we were sharp. Tonight was a great all-around team effort."

Philadelphia played for most of the game without star goaltender Brian Dougherty.

Dougherty was lifted after the Cannons scored their 8th goal, 5:55 into the game's second quarter. Dougherty is still feeling the effects of a shot he took to the ribs last Saturday in Boston. He was struck by the shot and taken from the game with 8:54 left in the first quarter in meeting number one between the teams. He returned to play the rest of the game. Dougherty was replaced by Kevin Keenan tonight.

The third quarter was all Cannons. Boston scored the frame's first five goals. Philadelphia's Roy Colsey scored the Barrage's lone goal of the quarter. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

Defenseman Ryan Curtis scored his first goal of the season 10:18 into the third quarter. Boston rookie DJ Andrzejewski notched his first career MLL goal during the run in the third as well.

Philadelphia struck first in the opening quarter. Ryan Boyle made his presence felt early finding Michael Springer 1:15 into the game. Poskay and David Jenkins answered for the Cannons with two consecutive tallies. BJ Prager knotted the game at two, another goal assisted by Boyle.

After that Boston went on its run. The seven goal surge, lasting the remainder of the first quarter and over nine minutes into the second, was highlighted by two Woodson goals. Six different Cannons players tallied goals during the run.

"Starting the game strong was important to us," said Daye. "We've had some lulls early in games this season, including last game against Philly. We made it a point to avoid that and our players responded."

After the run Boston and Philadelphia exchanged goals scoring two apiece including Poskay's third of the half. The Cannons lead 11-4 when the teams went to their respective locker rooms.

The Cannons play next on Saturday July 8 in Baltimore against the defending MLL Champion Bayhawks. The game begins at 7:00PM. Boston's next home game is Saturday July 22 against the Rochester Rattlers.

The 2006 MLL All-Star Game, MLL All-Stars vs. United States Men's National Team, is on July 6 at 7:30PM at Boston University's Nickerson Field.

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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 29, 2006


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