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June 18, 2008 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release


Carolina on Our Minds - After snapping a two-game losing streak with an overtime win last week, the Philadelphia Barrage will play their second straight "neutral site" game this weekend when they face Rochester at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. So far this year, the Barrage have won all three of their "neutral site" games. The 7,000-seat facility is home to the USL First Division's Carolina RailHawks.

Full of Pride - The New Jersey Pride became the last team to earn a victory this season with their 16-12 win over the previously unbeaten Rochester Rattlers at PAETEC Park on Saturday night. With the win, the Pride avoided the first 0-4 start in the franchise's eight-year history.

A Family Affair - During their 16-12 victory over Rochester last week, the New Jersey Pride became the first team in MLL history to have three members of the same family playing in the same game on the same team. Greg Peyser scored a game-high four goals while his brother, Michael, added a goal. Stephen Peyser, the youngest of the three brothers, won 5 of 6 face-offs.

More on the Affair - While the Peyser brothers became the first trio to play for the same team in the same game in MLL history, it is not the first time that three siblings have played in the same game. On August 13, 2005, the Powell brothers all played when Rochester defeated Washington at Bishop Kearney Field. Casey Powell and Ryan Powell played for the Rattlers while younger brother, Mikey, was a member of the then-Baltimore Bayhawks.

What's Got Into Him - Over the last three games, New Jersey Pride attackman Merrick Thomson has been the team's top scorer with 13 goals and two assists. In the win over Rochester on Saturday night, he scored four goals with an assist. Against Boston on June 6, the former University of Albany star tallied a career-high five goals.

Scherr Saves - Over the last two games, New Jersey Pride goalkeeper Rob Scherr has been the backbone of the team's defense by making 50 saves. Against Boston on June 6, the former Johns Hopkins University netminder tied a career high by making 26 saves. Named as the Goalkeeper of the Week this week, he stopped 24 shots in the Pride's four-point win over Rochester. During the last two games, Scherr has recorded a .633 save percentage.

Role Reversal - Following their 3-0 start to the season, the Rochester Rattlers have dropped their last two games by a combined 30-23 margin. The Rattlers recorded their first loss two weeks ago in a weather-shortened setback against Washington before suffering a 16-12 defeat at home against New Jersey last Saturday. The Rattlers have shot just 24.7 per cent in their two losses this year.

Grant Goals - Over the last three seasons, Rochester attackman John Grant, Jr. has been the MLL's top goal scorer with 92 goals. Named as the Bud Light MVP and Warrior Offensive Player of the Year last season, he leads the MLL with 20 goals and 28 points this year in five games. The former University of Delaware attackman set a league record last year with 71 points and scored a Rochester-record 44 goals in leading the Rattlers to the playoffs.

Staying Inside - Through the first five weeks of the season, MLL teams have combined to score just 20 two-point goals. While Denver leads the league with four two-point markers, two teams (Chicago, New Jersey) have yet to score from beyond the 16-yard arc. Last year, the league's ten teams combined to score 65 goals from two-point range.

Power Outage - Heading into their game against Washington on Thursday night, the Boston Cannons have allowed a league-low three power-play goals and are second in the MLL in penalty killing with an 81.3 per cent success rate. The Cannons are also one of four MLL teams (Rochester, Chicago, New Jersey) which have scored a short-handed goal.

Powerful Play - Entering Thursday's game against the Boston Cannons, the Washington Bayhawks are tied for the league lead with Philadelphia for power-play goals. In five games this season, the Bayhawks have scored 10 power-play goals in 34 opportunities. They have also allowed just five power-play goals by their opponents.

Sharp Shooters - The Denver Outlaws have one of the top offensive units in the MLL so far this year. In five games, they have a league-high .378 shooting percentage while leading the league with 92 points. Denver scored 19 points in its most recent victory, a 19-16 win over San Francisco on Saturday night at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Staying in the Box - Philadelphia defenseman Brian Spallina and Rochester defender Jack Reid are tied for the league lead in penalty minutes through the first five games. Each player has been sent to the penalty box for a total of 11.5 minutes this year. The league single-season record was set by Jay Jalbert in 2004 when he collected 22.5 penalty minutes.

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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 18, 2008


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.


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