Ryan Brown Leads Hounds to 20-14 Victory over Atlanta
Published on June 25, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release
Charlotte Hounds and Atlanta Blaze Scramble for a Loose Ball
(Charlotte Hounds)
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Hounds on Saturday night beat the visiting Atlanta Blaze 20-14 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. It marked the second straight win for the Hounds, who move to 5-3 on the season and third place in the standings. Ryan Brown was named Coca-Cola Player of the Game following an eight-point performance of six goals, including a 2-pointer, and one assist. Meanwhile, Atlanta was lead by Kevin Rice, who had eight points of his own on five goals and three assists.
The first half was a high scoring affair for both teams. Mark Matthews got the Blaze on the board first, less than one minute into the game, with a feed from Nicky Galasso. The Hounds responded with a three goal run, including Kevin Crowley's first as a Hound, to take a 3-1 lead. But an interference penalty on Crowley gave the Blaze a man-up opportunity and Rice capitalized to close the gap to 3-2.
Brown struck less than a minute later, notching two goals - including the first 2-pointer of his career - in 20 seconds to push the Hounds in front 6-2. John Haus added his second of the night to close out the first quarter at 7-2.
Momentum swung to Atlanta in the second as the Blaze opened the quarter with four straight goals in three and a half minutes to pull within two. Charlotte got three goals back, including the third of the night for Brown, to restore a 10-6 advantage. But Atlanta matched with a three-goal run of their own to close out the half at 10-9, still in favor of the Hounds.
The Hounds came out of halftime with fresh legs, scoring three straight to build their lead to 13-9. Haus tallied his third of the night, Joey Sankey had an incredible individual effort and Brown notched his fourth. Galasso ended the run and Matthews' added his third of the night to pull the Blaze back within two. But Brendan Fowler won the ensuing faceoff and took the ball straight to the cage for a goal of his own. Haus followed with his fourth of the night and the Hounds went up 15-11.
Galasso scored once more to close out the third, but it was all Hounds to open the fourth. The home team tallied four goals, including two from Crowley and the sixth of the night for Brown, to build a 20-12 lead with 6:06 to play. The Blaze were able to beat Charlie Cipriano twice more in the final minutes to account for the 20-14 final. Cipriano finished the night with 15 saves on 29 shots.
"They're a very good offensive team and they're missing some of their pieces tonight," said Hounds Head Coach Jim Stagnitta. "We had moments of brilliance and then there were periods where we shot ourselves in the foot. But that happens when you're young. We need to have the ball. If we possess the ball we can score on them, if they possess the ball they can score on us. Next game it's going to be really important what happens in the middle of the field and we have to cut our turnovers."
These two teams don't have to wait long for a rematch, as the Hounds will travel to Atlanta next weekend for a Friday night tilt with the Blaze at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Faceoff is scheduled for 8:00pm on July 1.
Images from this story
 Charlotte Hounds and Atlanta Blaze Scramble for a Loose Ball |
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 25, 2016
- Charlotte Hounds victorious against Atlanta Blaze - Atlanta Blaze
- Ryan Brown Leads Hounds to 20-14 Victory over Atlanta - Charlotte Hounds
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