Nationals Travel To Chicago Saturday Night
Published on July 2, 2009 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
TORONTO - The Toronto Nationals travel to Chicago, IL to take on the Chicago Machine this weekend Saturday July 4th at James M. Shuart Stadium at 5:00 p.m. EST.
The Nationals (4-4) look to break a three game losing streak after coming off a disappointing 20-16 home loss to the Denver Outlaws on June 27th.
"We are a very good team when we are winning the transition game and not so good when we are losing it," said head coach Dave Huntley. "The last few games we have made fewer positive plays and more negative plays in transition than our opponents and that has been the difference."
Toronto defeated the Chicago Machine (1-6) earlier this season at BMO Field on May 22nd in the Nationals inaugural season home opener by a score of 15-11.
Huntley says the group of guys traveling to Chicago this weekend will be prepared for a strong effort against Chicago on Saturday.
"This is a very big game for us," said Huntley. "Chicago will be a dangerous team as they are playing with their backs against the wall."
Nationals' attacker Merrick Thomson, who leads Major League Lacrosse in goals heading into this weekend with 26, also knows how important the match-up against the Machine is for Toronto.
"This game is very important because we have dug ourselves a hole by losing the last three games," said Thomson. "We need to get back on track and make the push for the playoffs over the next few games."
The Chicago Machine are led by brothers Mike Leveille with 24 points (18 goals, 1 two-pt. goal, 5 assists) and Kevin Leveille with 23 points (15 goals, 8 assists).
Kevin tallied six goals and one assist in the May 22nd meeting between the Machine and Nationals while Mike recorded two goals and one assist.
"To beat Chicago we need a team effort and will focus on shutting down the Leveille brothers," said Thomson.
MLL takes a week off regular season play while the MLL Alll-Star Game "Young Guns vs. Old School" style is held in Denver on July 16th. The Nationals return home to host the Boston Cannons on Thursday July 23rd at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 2, 2009
- July 4 Game Preview: Chicago Machine Hosts Toronto at Glenbrook South High - Chicago Machine
- Nationals Travel To Chicago Saturday Night - Hamilton Nationals
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