Machine Lose to Lizards
July 1, 2006 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
Despite a trio of first-time scorers, the Chicago Machine was unable to bring in a win as they loss to the Long Island Lizards in a 18-11 loss.
The Machine started out with a goal by midfielder Steve Dusseau ten seconds into the game for his fifth goal of the season, but Long Island midfielder Pete Vlahakis evened up the game less than three minutes later. Machine rookie standout Sean Morris attempted to cut through the Lizard defense and land a goal, but the referee called him in the crease, disallowing an otherwise great individual play. Long Island midfielder Stephen Berger met with success on a similar move, coming from behind the Chicago goal to put Long Island on top by one. The Machine's All-Star representative, Kevin Leveille, tied the game to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Long Island came out in full attack mode and was rewarded with a goal by Tim Goettelman. The Lizards opened up the game just a minute later with a two-point shot by midfielder Adam Borcz. After another goal by the Lizards, Long Island managed to register its second two-pointer of the quarter after an interception during a Machine transition. The Machine's bright spot of the quarter was collegiate draftee Joe Boulukos' first Major League Lacrosse goal of his career. A few more Long Island goals, added up to a 10-1 Lizard-dominated second quarter and a commanding 12-3 lead at the break.
Things got moderately brighter for the Machine in the third. Chicago brought in four straight goals to end the quarter on an upswing - a second goal for Boulukos and a first for rookie attackman Dan Flannery. Morris broke into the scoring column for the night, scoring two goals during the stretch.
"I'm getting more comfortable, and understanding the guys more on the field," Morris stated. "We outscored them in the second half, but we shot ourselves in the foot in the second quarter and we've got to keep out of the penalty box."
For the third straight quarter, the Lizards crawled all over the Machine defense, racking up three early goals in the process. The night of firsts for Chicago continued as Lyle Shirley scored his first goal of the season. But the Lizards managed to tally their third two-pointer of the game. Still, the Machine didn't let up, as they fired back with three straight goals, one by midfielder Chris Malone, and the other goals by Leveille and Flannery.
"We're making the same mistakes over and over again," said Coach Kevin Finneran after the loss. "At this point we're going to have to shake up the lineup a bit, because we're not getting the shots on goal, and the guys should be doing that."
The Chicago Machine travels to San Francisco next weekend to battle the San Francisco Dragons.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Lacrosse message board...
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 1, 2006
- Machine Lose to Lizards - Chicago Machine
- Lizards Defeat Chicago, 18-11 - New York Lizards
- San Francisco Triumphs Over New Jersey Pride in Thrilling Overtime Victory - San Francisco Dragons
- Powell goal stuns Pride in overtime - New Jersey Pride
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.
