Dragons Derail Machine 17-14
July 13, 2008 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
San Francisco Dragons News Release
San Jose, CA - The San Francisco Dragons scored first and continued to score winning their second of the season over the Chicago Machine 17-14.
Newly claimed Dragon attackman Xander Ritz rocked Chicago with the first goal off midfielder Matt Lalli's pass in the first 2 minutes of the game. Chicago evened up on a power play goal by midfielder Terry Kimener four minutes later which was immediately answered in the next 8 seconds as Dragons' midfielder Greg Gurenlian won the face-off to hit MLL All Star attackman Jake Byrne who fired into the net garnering his 4th 2 point goal of the season. Byrne now leads the MLL in 2 point goal conversions.
Dragons' defenseman Matt Cassalia ran a ground ball pickup in the defensive end all the way down to score unassisted. Midfielder Bill McGlone picked up his first of three goals off a Byrne feed. And with that the Dragons were up 5-1 in the first 10 minutes and never lost their lead. Chicago picked up two more goals in the first quarter which were matched by goals from Dragons' midfielders McGlone and Lewis.
Chicago crept back in the second quarter, outscoring the Dragons 5-3 with 2 goals coming on power plays. The score at half was Dragons 10 to Chicago 8.
In the second half, Dragons continued their successful transition game by scoring 6 of the 7 goals off midfield play. The Dragons defense stepped up hard in pressuring the Machine, limiting their offense to 6 goals.
Dragons' McGlone finished the game with 3 goals and one assist and garnered the Bud Light MVP of the game award. Byrne led the Dragons with 5 points: 2 goals, 1 2 point goal and 1 assist. Midfielder Sean Lindsay had 2 goals and one assist as midfielders Tim Booth, Ratcliff and attackman Ritz all posted 2 goals each in the win.
MLL All Star defenseman captain Eric Martin posted one goal and scooped up 6 ground balls. Defenders Steve Holmes and Matt Cassalia also converted unassisted goals. Specialist Gurenlian was 17-35 on face-offs, led the team with 14 ground balls and had 2 assists. Captain goalie Matt Vallone had 14 saves.
Chicago's attackman Mike Leveille was the team's leading scorer with 5 points: 3 goals and 2 assists. Kevin Leveille and Kimener each had 4 points in the losing effort. Goalie Mike Gabel had 20 saves.
Dragons' Head Coach Tom Slate was pleased with the win. "It was a good win for us. We were consistent where we needed to be and the guys played hard. We look forward to carrying this into next week against Denver."
The Dragons (2-6) will face the Outlaws (6-3) for the third time this season on Saturday, July 19 at Spartan Stadium. Face-off is 7 PM. Chicago (2-7) will host Los Angeles Riptide on Sunday, July 20 at Toyota Park at 4:30 pm (CT).
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 13, 2008
- Dragons Derail Machine 17-14 - San Francisco Dragons
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