MLL New York Lizards

Lizards Battle for First

June 8, 2007 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Uniondale, NY (June 8, 2007) - The Long Island Lizards (2-0) of Major League Lacrosse will travel down I-95 this Saturday to take on the Washington Bayhawks (3-1) in a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy.

The Lizards are raising eyebrows early in the season, now sitting at 2-0 after defeating Boston and San Francisco. Inside Lacrosse ranks Long Island second of the ten teams in the league, and much of the credit has to go to goaltender Nick Murtha, who has the top goals against average in the league. Goaltending was the big question mark heading into the season following the retirement of Greg Cattrano. In front of Murtha, the Lizards have potentially the strongest defense in the league, led by IL coverboy Nicky Polanco, John Gagliardi and Frank D'Agostino. All three defensive starters and Murtha are Long Island natives. The Lizards offense, which is more balanced than ever, has been strengthened by Stephen Berger's shift to attack. Berger has scored a team-high seven goals this season. Tim Goettelmann (5g), Keith Cromwell (4g), Blake Miller (4g) and Austin Garrison (4g) have also been impressive.

The Bayhawks may be without Mark Millon, but with a core of talented young players ready to flourish, they are a very dangerous team. Second-year stars Kyle Dixon and Matt Ward are first and second in league scoring, respectively, and have complimented long-time MLL playmaker Conor Gill very well on the offensive unit. Washington's defense features veteran Ryan Curtis, Ronnie Staines and Casey Connor. Former Cannons goaltender Chris Garrity has been impressive in goal, racking up a 13.32 goals against average and a 57% save percentage. Kevin Frew has won 55% of his draws in the faceoff circle.

The Lizards all time record against the Bayhawks is 7-7 and are looking to take the lead in the series this weekend.

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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 8, 2007


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