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MLL New York Lizards

Lizards Host Undefeated Barrage in Saturday Matinee

June 15, 2006 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


UNIONDALE, NY -- The Long Island Lizards (1-3) of Major League Lacrosse host the undefeated Philadelphia Barrage (4-0) on Saturday in a matinee game at Mitchel Athletic Complex. The Lizards find themselves in a must-win situation, as a fourth loss early in the season would be devastating for the team's playoff hopes. Only four of the ten MLL teams will advance to the New Balance Championship Weekend in Los Angeles. Saturday's game will be televised on SportsNet New York next Saturday, June 24th, via tape delay. Saturday's faceoff is slated for 1:00 PM.

The Lizards lost their third consecutive game last week, falling to the Rochester Rattlers, 18-12, at PAETEC Park. The team hopes to get a boost from midfielder Jay Jalbert, who missed the first four games of the season with a concussion suffered in April. Jalbert, who was named the league MVP in 2004, is listed as probable for Saturday's game.

Jalbert hopes to help a midfield that has averaged just seven goals per game this summer. Blake Miller (11 goals, 2 assists) scored three goals in Rochester, while Stephen Berger (7 goals, 1 assist), Austin Garrison (6 goals, 1 assist) and Adam Borcz (5 goals, 1 assist) have also contributed.

Keith Cromwell, who leads the team in points with 15, heads up a powerful Lizards attack. Cromwell scored a two-point goal and added four assists in Rochester. Tim Goettelmann (6 goals, 7 assists) and Chris Massey (7 goals, 1 assist) have plenty of scoring punch as well.

The Lizards will field their complete 'All-World' defense for only the second time this season on Saturday. Veteran Pat McCabe and All-MLL Defender John Gagliardi have both missed one game apiece due to personal reasons. The duo joins two-time and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nicky Polanco. Greg Cattrano, who was named goaltender of the MLL All-Star team on Tuesday, anchors the team in goal.

The Barrage, who won the MLL title in 2004, are led offensively by Roy Colsey (9 goals, 6 assists) and Jed Prossner (10 goals, 3 assists). '04 Rookie of the Year Ryan Boyle has missed the last two games due to a shoulder injury, but still manages to lead the league in assists, with 12 in just two games.

Philadelphia is led defensively by Rocky Point native Brian Spallina. Matt Zash, a rookie out of Duke, as well as Kyle Sweeney and Brian Kuczma are on defense as well, with former Lizards goaltender Brian Dougherty in the cage. Dougherty has played exceptional this season, currently leading the league in both save percentage (69.3%) and goals against average (11.08).

Former Lizards faceoff man Jack deVilliers also makes his return to Long Island. deVilliers has averaged just 39% from the faceoff circle this season, while Peter Vlahakis, who was acquired the Lizards this offseason, is averaging 55% thus far this year.

Tickets start at $11.50 and are available by calling 631-424-2606 or online at www.longislandlizards.com. Day of game tickets are available starting at 11:00 AM at the Mitchel Athletic Complex box office.

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