Chicago Hopes to Slay the Dragons and Get First Road Win
Published on July 11, 2008 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Last week's game against the Los Angeles Riptide (July 6) again proved that the Chicago Machine has what it takes to compete with, and beat, any team in Major League Lacrosse. After being down as many as 4 goals in the first half, the Chicago Machine went on a 6-1 third quarter run to enter the final period leading by a goal. The rally lost steam and the Riptide ultimately prevailed 18-16. Still, the Machine had some reasons to celebrate. Their rookies scored 10 of the 16 goals, including four by All-Star Steven Brooks, and a hat trick by Brendan Cannon.
The Machine (2-6) will travel to San Francisco to play the SF Dragons (1-6) for the final game of a three-game series. Both teams have won a game, with Chicago defeating the Dragons 10-9 at the Machine's home opener on May 18 and San Francisco beating the Machine 15-14 at Spartan Stadium in overtime.
Over the past three years, the Dragons have the upper hand in the rivalry, winning 6 out of 8 games against the Machine. This year, the Dragons are struggling to create goals while the Machine is still working on sustaining the lead for the win. On paper, Chicago has a stronger team with rookies playing a big role in the development of the team. San Francisco is starting to regroup as a team but it may be too late to catch up with the rest of the league this season.
San Francisco has scored only 79 goals after seven games this season, the worst in the league. On top of that, San Francisco's special teams are ranked 10th in the league for penalty killings (57.14%) and power plays (23.08%). The Dragons will be craving a win after losing a close match, 10-9 to Denver last week.
Regardless of the Dragon's statistics, Head Coach John Combs and the Machine will not underestimate San Francisco, as the previous games were determined by one goal. "San Francisco is a very strong team with many talented players. Many [of their players] can score and they have a solid defense with a solid goalie (Matt Vallone) as well," said Combs.
Keys to the Game: With both teams vying for a win, Chicago team leaders Kevin Leveille and Doug Shanahan will need to control the tempo of the game against the Dragons. In the Machine loss to the San Francisco, Chicago's rookies were just joining the team. They're much more experienced and the offense is stronger as a result. Look for more hustle from the Machine defenders as they relish creating tension for the Dragon's offense. There are plenty of incentives for Chicago to win this game. A win would equal the franchise's previous season win total (3), win the season series with San Francisco, and notch the franchise's first road win.
Upcoming Games:
The Chicago Machine returns home to face the Los Angeles Riptide on Sunday, July 20, at TOYOTA PARK in Chicago/Bridgeview, Illinois. Bring your electronic waste to TOYOTA PARK to recycle, courtesy of Cartridge World, and receive a free game ticket and coupon for a free ink cartridge. After a trip to Denver to face the Outlaws on Saturday, July 26, and following a bye, the Machine will play their final home game on Sunday, August 10, against the Rochester Rattlers. Tickets and more information are available at (312) 255-1522 and www.chicagomachine.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 11, 2008
- Chicago Hopes to Slay the Dragons and Get First Road Win - Chicago Machine
- Boston Cannons Look For Revenge Against Lizards on Saturday - Boston Cannons
- Rattlers Host Bayhawks in Key Confrence Matchup - Dallas Rattlers
- Boston Cannons to Host Annual Mascot Game on Saturday Night - Boston Cannons
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