MLL New York Lizards

Lizards host the Powell brothers and the Rochester Rattlers on Friday night

Published on May 26, 2005 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Uniondale, NY -- The Long Island Lizards will be looking for revenge on Friday night on Long Island. The new-look Lizards will host Casey and Ryan Powell and the Rochester Rattlers at Mitchel Athletic Complex at 7:30 PM. After winning eight straight games in the series, Rochester defeated Long Island in the season finale last year, preventing the Lizards from advancing to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The Lizards will be looking for their first win of the season after an opening night overtime loss to the New Jersey Pride last week.

Manhasset native Blake Miller, the reigning MLL Offensive Player of the Year, was impressive in his debut for the Lizards, scoring 5 goals and adding 1 assist last week. Miller was acquired along with Defensive Player of the Year Nicky Polanco and Goaltender of the Year Greg Cattrano from the Philadelphia Barrage last year. Both Polanco and Cattrano (23 saves) were also impressive in their debuts.

Chris Massey (3g, 1a) and Matt Panetta (2g, 1a) had strong games on the Lizards attack. However, the Lizards top offensive weapons last season were contained on offense. Tim Goettelmann was held to one goal and one assist, while Jay Jalbert's consecutive goal-scoring streak was snapped at 23 games, when he recorded just one assist. Midfielder A.J. Haugen was watching from the sidelines as he nursed a groin injury.

Friday's game certainly emphasizes offense vs defense. The Rochester Rattlers have the most dangerous offense in the league, featuring former Lizard Casey Powell, who is second all-time in career points with 248. He was joined last year by his younger brother, Ryan Powell, and Josh Coffman, as the top attack unit in the league. Thsi season, they got better. John Grant, who scored 41 goals in 2001, returned to the MLL this season after sitting out the last three seasons. As a result, Casey Powell volunteered to shift to the starting midfield, solidifying the Rattlers offense even more. A young defense of Ryan Mollett, John Glatzel and Michael Howley will defend the goal of Tillman Johnson, who had a stellar rookie season between the pipes.

Faceoff is slated for 7:30 PM. Tickets are available by visiting www.longislandlizards.com or calling 1-866-LIZARD-1.

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Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 26, 2005


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