Hounds vs. Lizards Game Preview
Published on June 15, 2018 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release
THE MATCHUP
The Hounds will look to hold their spot atop the league standings Saturday when they visit the Big Apple to square off with the New York Lizards. Charlotte is currently 6-2 on the season with a 2.5 game lead over the Lizards, who will look to break into the heated playoff race behind all-time MLL points leader Paul Rabil.
LAST TIME OUT
Lacrosse is a game of runs and the Hounds proved it against the Blaze, using a seven-point run to extinguish the southern rival, 19-13. After trailing 6-4 in the second quarter and breaking out of an offensive lull, the Hounds' scored six unanswered goals to finish the half. Matt Rambo linked up with Mike Chanenchuk to start the streak before Will Haus tied the game, 6-6, 20 seconds later. The momentum fueled Charlotte's offense, which continued to prove why it's the top-ranked unit in the league. Ryan Brown, Rambo and Ehrhardt each grabbed two goals apiece before the end of the half to give Charlotte a lead they'd ultimately refuse to relinquish.
BACK IN THE BIG APPLE
Saturday's matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams since the Hounds sent longtime faceoff specialist Brendan Fowler to New York in exchange for midfielder Jake Richard in the offseason. Midway through the 2018 campaign, it appears the Hounds won the deal. Fowler has only claimed 105-of-219 (47.9 percent) faceoffs while Charlotte's faceoff mainstay Kevin Massa has won 81-of-168 (48.2 percent). In the swap, the Hounds also received the Lizards' 2018 second round draft pick which turned into defender Ben Randall, who head coach Jim Stagnitta has been impressed with so far.
"(Randall) has gotten better every game and we're learning how to use him and match him up," Stagnitta said. "He's got a knack for catching skip passes and knocking down balls. He takes the ball away from someone a couple times every game. He's going to be a good one."
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 LIZARDS
Although Paul Rabil just set the all-time Major League Lacrosse points record and stole the headlines, Lizards' attackman Rob Pannell has undoubtedly played at an MVP caliber level this season. The attackman has tallied 44 points through seven games so far, which tops the league. Along with Joe Walters, Rabil and Will Manny, who ranks third in goals scored with 23, the Lizards' attack is potent. The same can't be said for the team's defense. Through seven games, New York has allowed 118 goals, which ranks second-highest in the league only behind the Boston Cannons. On top of that, the Lizards have not played their best lacrosse at home sporting a 1-2 record at James M. Shuart Stadium.
WATCH ON LSN
JOIN THE JUNIOR HOUNDS We're launching the Junior Hounds kids program for our young supporters! Members become a part of our team and enjoy exciting events throughout the season!
Email Zach Nagel to preregister or call (704) 206-1524.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 15, 2018
- Launch Seek Sweep against Denver - Florida Launch
- Blaze Bulletin - Week 9 - Atlanta Blaze
- Ohio Machine Add Latrell Harris and Marcus Willis to the 25-Man Roster - Ohio Machine
- Hounds vs. Lizards Game Preview - Charlotte Hounds
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