Crowley On Target This Season
Published on July 17, 2013 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
Trailing New York 11-10 with five seconds remaining in regulation, Hamilton forward Kevin Crowley netted a power-play goal from beyond the two-point arc to lift the Nationals over the Lizards by a final score of 12-11 on May 11th.
The game-winning goal was just one of many key plays the Nationals have received from Crowley as the team began the 2013 Major Lacrosse League season at 5-0, the best start in team history and the Nationals' second-longest win streak. The former first-overall draft pick, now in his third season with Hamilton, has been posting career numbers all season.
"Obviously it's easier to put up points when your team is winning games," Crowley said. "Our focus is to get better each weekend so that, come playoff time, we are hitting our stride and playing the best ball we have all season."
As of July 17th, the Stony Brook product ranked third in the MLL with 41 points (29+1+11) and was second only to Denver's Chris Bocklet in goals (33). Both totals are career highs for Crowley.
"The team has been playing great this year which helps me put up the points," Crowley said. "The majority of my success this season is due to the guys around me making me better through their great play."
Crowley, a 6-foot-4 midfielder, opened the season by establishing a new personal record with seven points (4+3) against the Boston Cannons, leading the Nationals to a 15-7 victory on May 11th. He has twice scored a career-best five goals, doing so in a 15-8 win over Ohio and a 12-10 loss to New York. He was one of three Nationals to record a hat trick as Hamilton scored a season-high 17 points in a win over Rochester on June 22nd. "A lot of times, it takes a couple of years to get used to this league, but he's really come into his own this year," said teammate Joe Walters of Crowley. "He's had a great year. He is really comfortable out there and I think it shows in his play."
In recognition of his success on the field, Crowley was selected to his first MLL All-Star Game. He was one of five Nationals selected, joining Kevin Cunningham, Brodie Merrill, Brett Queener and Walters. After leading Team Supernova to a 24-15 win over Team Eclipse with five points (3+2) in the 2013 MLL All-Star Game, Crowley was crowned the contest's Most Valuable Player.
"It's an honor to be considered an All-Star in this league," Crowley said. "I like the different format this year with the coaches and general managers picking the team rather than the fans because it becomes less of a popularity contest and more on-field oriented."
Crowley has been surrounded by championship-caliber players for the past six months while playing with the Nationals and in the National Lacrosse League with the Philadelphia Wings. Hamilton teammates Cody Jamieson, Stephen Keogh, Sid Smith and Walters are coming off their second consecutive NLL title with the Rochester Knighthawks, which are also owned by Curt Styres.
"I think the Hamilton Nationals are probably the best run team in lacrosse right now," Crowley said. "From Curt on down, everyone is committed to winning and providing the players with the best experiences professional lacrosse has to offer."
While playing with the Wings, known for their American-born field lacrosse talent, Crowley has suited up alongside a laundry list of MLL stars. This past season, he had the chance to play with the reigning Warrior Offensive Player of the Year, Paul Rabil.
"I think anytime you play beside great players something always rubs off on you," Crowley said. "It also makes you glad you're on his side and not playing against him, at least in one league."
The Nationals are currently second in the MLL standings with a 7-3 record. They are a perfect 2-0 at Ron Joyce Stadium, and three of their remaining four games are on their home field in Hamilton. After a lackluster season in 2012, Crowley and the Nationals are hoping to make a run to the Championship Weekend.
"It's tough to look that far in the future," Crowley said. "We are taking it one practice at a time, one game at a time, and are getting better every time we step on the field."
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 17, 2013
- Crowley On Target This Season - Hamilton Nationals
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