Charlotte Hounds victorious against Atlanta Blaze
Published on June 25, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
The Atlanta Blaze traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina this Saturday in the first of back-to-back games against the Charlotte Hounds. With plenty of goals scored from both sides and intense physical plays from each as well, this game was everything and more for the fans. However, in the end it was the Charlotte Hounds who won this battle with superior scoring in the second half and winning the game, 20-14.
To start the game, the Blaze seemed cooled down as only two goals were scored; one was scored by the new Blaze addition Mark Matthews and the other by leading scorer Kevin Rice. However, by the end of half the Blaze brought themselves back into the game by scoring seven more goals. Kevin Rice accumulated four goals while Matt Mackrides, Matthews, Jeremy Noble, and Nicky Galasso each had individual goals as well. Everything was blazing hot for the Charlotte team as they accumulated seven goals in the first quarter from several players including stand-outs Ryan Brown and Joey Sankey. But by halftime only three more goals were added to their seven-point lead creating a slim 10-9 lead going into halftime.
At the beginning of the second half the Hounds came out with another offensive surge and scored three goals in a row, increasing their lead to 15-11. By the end of the fourth quarter Charlotte lead by just three as Galasso from the Blaze achieved his own hat trick making the score 15-12.
The fourth quarter ended up being all the Atlanta Blaze could handle as the Charlotte Hounds scored five consecutive goals extending their lead to 20-12. With just under three minutes left in the game Kevin Rice found the back of the net for the Blaze, although it was too late for the Blaze to create a comeback against the Hounds. Matthews scored one last goal for the Blaze, finishing off the defeat in a final score of 20-14.
Ryan Brown was the Coca-Cola player of the game gathering a total of eight points including six goals for himself. Jim Stagnitta, head coach of the Charlotte Hounds said of the standout: "I have never seen a shooter like (Ryan) Brown in all my years."
The Atlanta Blaze will play their next game home on July 1st at home in a rematch against the Charlotte Hounds.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 25, 2016
- Charlotte Hounds victorious against Atlanta Blaze - Atlanta Blaze
- Ryan Brown Leads Hounds to 20-14 Victory over Atlanta - Charlotte Hounds
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