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Minnesota Swarm Seeking Revenge This Weekend

February 10, 2010 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, MN - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm (1-4) will get a second chance to knock off the undefeated Washington Stealth (6-0) this Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7:35 p.m. CST at Xcel Energy Center.

The Swarm held their ground for a majority of last weekend's game until the Stealth went on a 4-1 run in the fourth quarter to escape with a 12-9 victory at The Comcast Arena at Everett. Despite suffering their third straight loss in a row, Head Coach Mike Lines felt the team played one of its most physical games to date.

"We have to realize that when we play as physical as we did, we can play with anyone in the league," said Lines. "Unfortunately once again we couldn't put the ball in the net. Obviously in the games that we have lost, that has been our biggest problem with the exception of the Colorado game."

Minnesota's physical play on defense limited Washington's scoring chances early in the second half. After allowing two quick goals in the opening minutes of the third quarter, the Swarm were able to hold the Stealth scoreless for the remaining 13 minutes of the quarter. With the game tied at eight heading into the fourth, things looked promising. That was until Washington jumped out to an 11-8 lead at the 11:20 mark and Minnesota's offense went cold. F Aaron Wilson (2g, 1a) recorded the team's only goal in the fourth. F Callum Crawford led the team in scoring with five points (3g, 2a) and F Tim Campeau dished out a team-high four assists to lead Minnesota.

Lines emphasized that a lack of scoring at the end of games is something that will be addressed in practice this week. Minnesota has been outscored 9-16 in the fourth quarter by its opponents this season.

"We have to do a better job of finishing games," said Lines. "Everything comes down to us being able to bury the ball late in games. If we had done a better job of converting on our scoring chances this season, we are probably sitting with a much better record."

Even with their slow start this year, Minnesota remains only a half game behind Colorado (2-4) for the fourth and final playoff spot in the West Division. The Swarm will host Colorado the following Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7:35 p.m. CST for the second time this season. Minnesota fell to the Mammoth 15-14 in overtime on Jan. 22 at Xcel Energy Center. The Swarm are currently 1-3 in divisional play this season, with their only victory coming at home against the Calgary Roughnecks, 12-10 on Jan. 15.

Girls and coaches - don't miss out this Saturday when the Notre Dame women's lacrosse coaching staff will conduct exclusive clinics including drills, games and classroom sessions before the Swarm square off against Washington. Fans in attendance at the game will have a chance to win in-game prizes, including jewelry, getaways and more to celebrate "Say I Do Night" at Xcel Energy Center. Fans can also participate in a poker tournament at the arena sponsored by Running Aces.

Lower level single game tickets can be purchased for as low as $24 to each of the remaining six 2010 home games. Tickets are available online at mnswarm.com or by calling 888-MN-SWARM.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 10, 2010


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