MLL Florida Launch

News Florida Launch Drop Fourth Straight to Unbeaten Charlotte Hounds

Published on May 14, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Florida Launch News Release


The Florida Launch dropped their fourth straight game Saturday night to the unbeaten Charlotte Hounds at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Launch fell in a hard fought battle 12-10 despite star player Lyle Thompson (1 goal) making his season debut alongside Kieran McArdle (5 points) and Connor Buczek (3 points).

With a solid duo of Chris Mattes and John Ortolani manning the faceoff X, Florida was able to gain many important possessions to start the contest. Thompson wasted no time to notch his first of the MLL season by opening the scoring on a beautiful unassisted score. Just over a minute later, Kieran McArdle worked on his own to net his first of the night. The Hounds answered with a 3 goal run to end the quarter with the visiting team down by one.

Steven Brooks displayed his craftiness to open the second quarter scoring with an assist from McArdle. The momentum kept rolling for the Launch as long range specialist Connor Buczek tallied his second 2-point goal of the season. The offense fed the hot hand as Buczek went back-to-back for a score just four minutes later. Charlotte's captain John Haus was able to record a hat-trick to end Florida's run. McArdle answered one minute later to end the half's scoring for his second of the night. Austin Kaut held the home team scoreless for the remainder of the quarter with several one-on-one saves. Florida held its first half time lead this season at 7-4.

McArdle kept the scoring run alive for the Launch with a goal early in the third quarter. Unfortunately for Florida, Charlotte took advantage of the faceoffs in the second half to open the door for a 6 goal streak. With the visitors on a scoring drought, Stephen Keogh had 4 of the goals after starting the game with a quiet first half. The Hounds went on top 10-8 heading into the final period.

Early in the fourth quarter, Casey Powell chimed in for his first of the night making it at least one goal in every game this season for the veteran. The goal came on an assist from David Earl, another welcomed addition from the indoor lacrosse league. The Hounds roared back with two goals of their own. McArdle put in his fourth of the night to put the Launch in striking distance down just 2 scores. Unable to convert the 2-point attempt late in the game, the Florida falls to 0-4 on the season.

The Florida Launch will return to FAU Stadium May 21 to face the Atlanta Blaze in the two team's first meeting. The Launch seek their first win of the season in the contest set to face off at 7:00pm ET.

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