The Barrage Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Over Cannons, 18-17
August 14, 2004 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Philadelphia Barrage News Release
(Villanova Stadium- Villanova, PA) The Philadelphia Barrage, a charter member of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), defeated the Boston Cannons tonight, 18-17, in front of 2,078 fans. Nicky Polanco held Conor Gill to two goals and no assists, the first game this season Gill has not recorded any assists. Ryan Boyle earned the Bud Light MVP of the game, scoring the game-winning goal. With this goal, Philadelphia clinched their first playoff spot in franchise history. They are seeded third and will play the Rochester Rattlers in the semifinals next at Championship weekend.
At the end of the first quarter Philadelphia and Boston were tied, 6-6. Five different Barrage players scored, including Boyle who registered two goals. Michael Springer was the first Philadelphia player to score, followed by Matt Striebel with an assist from Mike Mollot. Mollot assisted the next goal, as well, that was scored by Roy Colsey. BJ Prager recorded a goal off of a behind the back pass from Miller. Mike Battista was Boston's leading scorer, recording a hat trick. Kevin Leveille tallied two goals for the Cannons.
Leveille and Miller were the main scoring threats during the second quarter each registering a hat trick. Gill scored his first point of the night off a helper from Leveille. Boyle added another point to the scoreboard for Philadelphia, while Colsey recorded his first 2-point goal of the night.
Going into the second half, Philadelphia led, 12-11. Doug Shanahan scored his first goal of the game 11:18 in, followed by Miller's third goal of the game. Striebel dumped in another goal with an assist from Miller. The Barrage held the Cannons scoreless until 1:45 left in the quarter, when Battista notched his fourth of the game. Michael Watson followed with his first point of the game.
Philadelphia was determined to make it to the playoffs, and they accomplished the task when Ryan Boyle scored the game-winning goal at 1:24. Boston fought hard though, the score going back and fourth the whole quarter. Mike Regan recorded his second for the Cannons, followed by a Philadelphia goal from Miller. Chris Rotelli, Battista, and Leveille all scored for Boston in the fourth quarter.
Philadelphia advances 7-5, while Boston falls 8-4. With this win, the Barrage gained their first playoff birth. Philadelphia will play Rochester next weekend at Nickerson Field at 4:00 PM.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 14, 2004
- Lizards miss playoffs after loss to Rochester, 21-14 - New York Lizards
- Bayhawks Clinch Playoff Spot with First Home Win - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- The Barrage Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Over Cannons, 18-17 - Philadelphia Barrage
- Bayhawks and Pride Still to Play As Scheduled - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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