MLL Week Six Preview
Published on July 6, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Boston, MA - The Week Six opener between the Chesapeake Bayhawks and Denver Outlaws had a little bit of everything from lightning to fireworks on the field and off. The Outlaws beat the Bayhawks 14-13 in front of over 26,000 fans at Mile High Stadium for the Outlaws annual "Mile High Fourth of July."
Fans were treated to an exciting game which saw the Outlaws erase a four goal fourth quarter deficit to improve to 5-1. Zach Currier led the way for Denver with four goals and an assist. Max Adler continued his dominant play of late, winning 23 of 31 face-offs (74.2%) and tallying 13 ground balls. Lyle Thompson continued his MVP start to the season, scoring five goals for the Bayhawks.
Atlanta Blaze Vs. Chesapeake Bayhawks
The Blaze and Bayhawks faceoff Saturday in a rematch of a game last weekend which saw the Blaze overwhelm the Bayhawks in a 19-10 win. Shayne Jackson and Bryan Cole combined for nine Blaze goals, while goalie Chris Madalon made a season high 21 saves to stifle the Bayhawks attack.
The Bayhawks have a little bit of a predicament right now when it comes to the face-off position. Regular face-off specialist Kenny Massa is banged up and missed the Bayhawks July 4th game against the Denver Outlaws. His replacement, Eric O'Brien went only 7-29 at the face-off X. O'Brien will be facing off against Alex Woodall for the Blaze. Whichever player can get the upper hand will put their team in a good spot to win this weekend.
Boston Cannons Vs. Dallas Rattlers
The Cannons head to Frisco this weekend to take on the Rattlers as they look to rebound after their first loss of the season last weekend to the Denver Outlaws. Meanwhile, the Rattlers sit at 0-5 and are still looking to get in the win column for the first time this season.
If the Cannons want to get back to their winning ways, they will need to get a balanced scoring attack. Mark Cokerton has been magnificent with 16 goals on the season, but it's the other guys like Kyle Jackson, Connor O'Hara and Zed Williams who have stepped up for the Cannons so far this season.
As for the Rattlers, they need guys to step up. Ryan McNamara leads the team with eight goals while guys like Lucas Wittenberg and Zack Greer have shown flashes of potential this season. The Rattlers need everyone to be better if they want to grab their first win of the season on Sunday.
New York Lizards Vs. Atlanta Blaze
The Lizards and Blaze are set to do battle in the final game of the weekend at Grady Stadium in Atlanta. The matchup presents an opportunity for the Lizards to build off of their first win of the season last weekend against the Dallas Rattlers.
One of the bright spots this season for the Lizards is the play of face-off specialist Greg Puskuldjian. The former Adelphi University Panther leads Major League Lacrosse with a 62.5% face-off percentage. Puskuldjian will faceoff against Alex Woodall. Woodall has struggled a bit in his first professional season with a face-off percentage just below 50%. The Puskuldjian/Woodall matchup is one to watch this weekend.
If the Lizards want to make it two wins in a row, they will have to find a way to solve Chris Madalon. The Atlanta Blaze netminder has been nothing short of superb in between the Atlanta pipes. Madalon leads the league in save percentage and has put up some splendid performances this season including a 21 save performance against the Bayhawks last weekend. The Blaze will look to Madalon to lead them to a 4-1 start.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 6, 2019
- Blaze Fall to BayHawks in Rematch - Atlanta Blaze
- Thompson Totals Eight Points as BayHawks Beat Blaze, 16-13 - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- MLL Week Six Preview - MLL
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.
