Hounds vs. Launch Game Preview
June 21, 2018 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release
The Hounds will look to bounce back Saturday against the Florida Launch after last weekend's 20-16 defeat to the New York Lizards. Since opening the season 4-0, the Hounds have dropped three of the their last five games, slipping to third in the league standings. All the while Florida has won just one of their last five games.
LAST TIME OUT
Despite outscoring the Lizards in the fourth quarter, the Charlotte Hounds ultimately couldn't overcome a six goal deficit in the final 15 minutes, falling 20-13. Charlotte pieced together four consecutive goals in the fourth quarter to pull within three points of the Lizards. Matt Rambo took the reigns first scoring twice in the final minutes and even linked up with rookie Connor Fields for his first career point. Mike Chanenchuk also capitalized on a power play while Will Haus and Michael Ehrhardt pieced together a hopeful score themselves. While the late-game offensive push gave Charlotte life, the early deficit proved too much to handle for the Hounds in the end.
WELCOME MATT McMAHON
The Hounds added some experience to the defense, acquiring defender Matt McMahon from the Ohio Machine in exchange for defender Ben Randall.
McMahon has appeared in seven games this season for the Machine this season, tallying one goal, 18 ground balls and seven caused turnovers. In 2017, the defender helped lead Ohio to a league title and finished with 43 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers in 14 games played. He'll add some physicality to the Hounds defense and help solidify a back line that's slipped to fifth in the league in goals allowed after holding the top spot through the first five weeks.
"Matt is one of those guys that can do multiple things. He can step up into the wing at faceoffs, cover midfielders," head coach Jim Stagnitta said. "He's a big, strong lefty and knocks down passes. He won a championship in the league.
"I think it's a win-win (for both teams)."
ALL-STAR CHANENCHUK
Midfielder Mike Chanenchuk was selected to the MLL All-Star team for the third consecutive season, and is the only Hounds player represented. He's enjoying another standout season, with 16 points on six goals and nine assists. He's played a key part in the midfield for this year's team, which at 6-2 is well on its way to returning to the playoffs. In his last two All-Star caliber seasons, Chanenchuk combined for 89 points on 56 goals and 33 assists.
SCOUTING THE LAUNCH
The Launch are led by attacker Dylan Molloy, whose 28 goals lead the league while his 35 points rank seventh best. Despite Molloy and Kieran McArdle's offensive prowess, the Launch hold just a 3-6 record and sit seventh in the league standings. With that said though, two of Florida's three wins have come away from home and Saturday's matchup marks the final away game of the season for the Launch. With the regular season nearing its end, Florida needs an important win in the road finale to reach the MLL playoffs for the second consecutive season.
PARKING ADVISORY The CPCC Parking Deck at E. 7th Street and Charlottetowne Avenue has been closed for renovations. Please consider parking at the alternate parking deck on the corner of Charlottetowne Avenue and East Fourth Street until further notice.
The surface lots at the corner of N. Kings Drive and East 7th Street will be open for parking and tailgating, but note, these lots fill up quickly. Parking lots will open at 3 p.m.
Parking remains $5.00/car.
Box Office/Will Call opens at 5 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the game against the Florida Launch are available below.
PURCHASE TICKETS
RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKETS FOR 2019 Purchase your season tickets for 2019 now and reserve your seat for every match next season. Every shot, every goal, every cheer, every moment. And it's now even quicker and easier to purchase with just a $25 deposit per seat. Reserve your seats at the historic Memorial Stadium at the Hounds' final home game - June 23 - and receive a Major League Lacrosse game ball and post-game photo with a player and Blue on the field.
To purchase call (704) 206-1515
NEW ARRIVIALS! Stop by the Team Store or check out the new threads this weekend at the Hounds' final home game of the season. Player tees are just $5 on Saturday.
Explore the other options at shopcharlottehounds.com!
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 21, 2018
- Hounds vs. Launch Game Preview - Charlotte Hounds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
