Dragons set to take on Lizards tomorrow
Published on July 23, 2008 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
San Francisco Dragons News Release
Burlingame, CA - The San Francisco Dragons face the Long Island Lizards (5-4) for the first time this season and only the second time in the Dragons franchise history. Face-off is set for 7pm (ET) at Mitchel Field on Saturday July 26th. The contest will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet West. (Channel 400/Dish Network 409/Direct TV 656.)
The Lizards currently lead in the series at 1-0. The last matchup was at San Francisco in Kezar Stadium on June 2, 2007 which Long Island won 14-12.
San Francisco (2-7) was handed a tough loss by Denver at Spartan Stadium last weekend, 15-8. Six different Dragons chipped in for the team's eight goals. Midfielder Bill McGlone and attackman Lewis Ratcliff each had a pair. Attackman All-Star and MLL All Star Jake Byrne and midfielder Tim Booth each had one goal and one assist. Captain Liam Banks returned to the field after a 5 week absence following knee surgery to post a goal in the losing effort. Midfielder Xander Ritz also netted a goal.
Despite the loss, the Dragons continued to do well in man down situations, holding Denver scoreless on seven man advantages, raising their penalty killing percentage to 77.55%, 2nd in the league. San Francisco was 2-for-6 on the man advantage.
Byrne continues to lead the Dragons in scoring with 26 points (16 goals, 4 - 2point goals and 6 assists) and Ratcliff is second with 19 points (17 goals and 2 assists). Booth has 17 points (13 goals and 4 assists) and is 5 for 13 in face-offs. Midfielders Matt Lalli (9 goals and 5 assists for 14 points) and Brendan Loftus (11 goals and 1 assist) have made solid impacts as rookies. Face-off specialist Greg Gurenlian is 126/250 on face-offs (.50%), has 5 goals, 3 assists and 39 groundballs. Dragons' captain, Matt Vallone has a .490 save percentage in goal while defenseman captain and MLL All Star Eric Martin has 41 groundballs and 2 goals plus 3 assists.
The Lizards are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 5-4 record. They are coming off a bye weekend after 13-12 loss at Boston on July 12.
Midfielder Stephen Berger leads the Lizards with 30 points (24 goals and 6 assists). Attackman Keith Cromwell is second on the scoreboard with 14 goals and 14 assists followed by attackman Spencer Ford with 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points. Midfielder Chris Fiore has 26 points (19 goals, 1-2pt goal and 6 assists. Specialist Peter Vlahakis has .571% on 202/314 face-offs, 4 goals, 2 assists and leads the Lizards with 79 groundballs. Goalkeepers Matt McMonagle and Nicholas Murtha have split time in the cage. McMonagle has a .473 save percentage in 8 games and Murtha has .426% for 4 games.
The Dragons return to Spartan Stadium for their final home game against Los Angeles Riptide on Saturday, August 2. Tickets can be ordered by calling 1-(877) 4-MLL TIX or visiting Ticketmaster. www.tickmaster.com
MLL Stats: Dragons currently are 3rd in the MLL with Face-Off Percentages (.506) and 2nd in the League in Penalty Killing (77.55 %).
On Fire: Attackman Jake Byrne leads the MLL in the most 2 point goal conversions with 4.
#5 is #10: Captain Eric Martin (#5) was ranked #10 in Inside Lacrosse magazine's 2008 Top 30 MLL Players in their July issue.
MLL All Stars: Byrne and Martin were named to the 2008 MLL All-Star Game. Byrne won the inaugural Bud Light All-Star Skills Challenge two-point shot contest and Martin scored four goals as the Western Conference rolled over the Eastern Conference, 31-15. Byrne also posted a goal in the game.
Bud Light MVP: Midfielder Bill McGlone for his hatrick (3 goals) and one assist in the Dragons versus Machine game on July 12.
MLL Rookie of the Week: Mike Podgajny for his game winning goal in overtime in the Dragons versus Machine game on June 7.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 23, 2008
- Dragons set to take on Lizards tomorrow - San Francisco Dragons
- MLL News and Notes - MLL
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