Denver Outlaws vs Chesapeake BayHawks Game Preview/Notes
May 21, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Denver Outlaws News Release
DENVER - Over the Memorial Day weekend the Denver Outlaws (3-2) will host the Chesapeake Bayhawks (3-2) , in a game presented by U.S. Bank. On Sunday the matchup will include the Hero's Night game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High at 7 p.m. MDT. The matchup will feature Denver's best fireworks display and a Major League Eating competition hosted by Illegal Pete's.
Last week, the Outlaws welcomed back the 2014 MLL Championship lineup, including MVP John Grant, Jr. Grant quickly resumed his role on the offense, scoring four points against Florida and earning Coca-Cola Player of the Game honors.
"When John Grant walks in the locker room he just brings an air of confidence," Head Coach B.J. O'Hara said. "All the boys were glad to see him... He took a red eye into Florida, and you couldn't tell by the way he played in the first half. He was 2 and 2 at the halftime."
Denver featured eight different goal-scorers in the win over Florida. Eric Law and Jeremy Sieverts each recorded hat tricks. Jeremy Noble scored his first career goal as well as two assists. Additionally, Michael Simon notched the first Outlaw two-point goal of the season.
The Outlaws will face a challenge against a Chesapeake defense that has given up the fewest points of any team in the league. Goalkeeper Tyler Fiorito is second in the three major categories of goals against average, saves and save percentage.
Denver's defense was stout in the victory. Dillon Roy was named the week 7 Warrior Defensive Player of the Week for limiting Launch attackman Kieran McArdle to one goal and three assists. A similar effort will be necessary against the veteran Bayhawks.
"They've got a number of different guys that all play a little differently," Coach O'Hara said. "We'll try not to be as match-up conscious as sometimes we are. I think we'll have to switch a lot. They do a lot of picking on the ball, and not really worry so much about who's playing against who, but just making sure that we're helping each other out, switching on the picks, and playing good, tough, physical individual defense."
Jesse Schwartzman will be another major component of the Outlaws' defensive effort against the Bayhawks. Chesapeake leads the league in shots on goal percentage, so Schwartzman will be more targeted than usual. With only two games with a save percentage greater than 50, Schwartzman will need to step up against the accurate Bayhawks shooters.
At the X, Anthony Kelly is poised for his MLL-leading 2,900th faceoff attempt. He has won fewer than 50 percent of the faceoffs in the past two games. The veteran may be in trouble as he goes up against another team that has been playing more than one man at the faceoff X.
Tune into Altitude TV or ESPN3 this Sunday to see the Outlaws face the Bayhawks in the Hero's Night game at 5 p.m. (MDT).
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 21, 2015
- Gameday elements will include Heroesâ?? Day recognition, Cascade Lacrosse helmet auction - Denver Outlaws
- Warrior World Series of Youth Lacrosse Announces Teams for Inaugural Championship - MLL
- Lyle Thompson Suiting up for First Major League Lacrosse Game - Florida Launch
- Denver Outlaws vs Chesapeake BayHawks Game Preview/Notes - Denver Outlaws
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