Chicago Looks to Spoil Denver's Home Streak
July 25, 2008 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Machine returns to INVESCO Field on Sunday, July 26, 2008 to face the Denver Outlaws (7-3) in a battle of Major League Lacrosse Western Division rivals. Each team has won one game in the three game series. Denver took the first round after Jeff Sonke scored a 2-point goal with 13 seconds remaining in the game allowing the Outlaws to sneak by Chicago. On June 29, the Machine met Denver at home at TOYOTA PARK for the second game and shocked the Outlaws 16-13 with the help of hat tricks by All-Stars Steven Brooks and Kevin Leveille.
Last Sunday (July 20) the Chicago Machine (3-7) defeated the Los Angeles Riptide (5-4) by the score of 17-13 at TOYOTA PARK. The win was huge as Chicago avoided a series sweep and won their first ever over Los Angles in the franchise's history. Mike Leveille helped the Chicago Machine overcome an early 8-1 deficit, scoring four goals and an assist in the second half to snap Los Angele's three-game win streak. Leveille was named Bud Light Player of the Game and MLL Rookie of the Week for his efforts.
Denver is coming off an easy win, defeating the San Francisco Dragons 15-8. Matt Brown scored a season high six goals as teammate Brian Langtry posted a hat-trick, extending Denver's record to 7-3. Denver remains a threat to the league as well as to the Machine with their offensive firepower. With a shooting percentage of .333 and a high average of 16.11 goals per game, there is nothing easy about beating the Outlaws, especially with a full roster loaded with All-Stars like Ryan Powell, Brendan Mundorf, Matt Hanna, Lee Zink, and Jesse Schwartzman in the goal. But Denver knows that the young Chicago team is dangerous and could snap their five-game winning streak at home. Denver won't take the Machine lightly; the result should be a great game.
Keys to the Game: In the previous two games against Denver, Chicago has demonstrated the intensity and the will to win on the field. In the June 29 win over Denver, Chicago gave up two quick goals but then scored four goals to close out the 1st quarter. Chicago never trailed again and successfully stymied comeback attempts by the potent Denver offense, retaining the intensity right through to the end of the game. To repeat their success in Denver, Chicago's offense, led by Kevin Leveille and rookie attackmen Steven Brooks and Mike Leveille, will need to put constant pressure on Denver. All-Star Goalie Mike Gabel and the Machine defensive unit, consisting of Jake Deane, Steve Whittenberg, and Rob Smith will need to harass the Denver offense. Jake Deane, who is having a fantastic season and leads all MLL defenders in ground balls, and Doug Shanahan, whose already strong face-off work has gotten even more effective as the season has progressed, will be key to keeping the Outlaw offense off balance.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 25, 2008
- Boston Cannons to Battle for Top Spot in Eastern Conference on Saturday - Boston Cannons
- Chicago Looks to Spoil Denver's Home Streak - Chicago Machine
- Bayhawks' Final Home Game Saturday - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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