Week 14 Preview: Blaze Travel to Ford Center to Face Dallas
September 5, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
ATLANTA, GAÂ -Â The fight for October play continues as the Atlanta Blaze (7-6) take on the Dallas Rattlers (6-8) at Ford Center at The Star. A win would put the Blaze in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
HOW TO WATCH
Fans can watch the broadcast at watchstadium.com for free. Fans can find Stadium on Android Google Play, Apple Store, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Sling, and Twitch.
WHO
Atlanta Blaze (7-6) vs Dallas Rattlers (6-8)
WHEN
Saturday, September 7th, 8:00 PM (EST)
WHERE
Ford Center at The Star
9 Cowboys Way
Frisco, TX 75034
GAME NOTES
Dallas racked up six straight wins to push their way into playoff contention, but a loss this past Saturday sits Dallas 1.5 games behind Atlanta and Boston with two games remaining in their regular season schedule. A Blaze win on Saturday would allow Atlanta to clinch their first ever playoff berth. With a loss and a Boston victory over Chesapeake this weekend, the Rattlers would be eliminated from playoff contention.
After enjoying a career night by winning 26 of 33 faceoffs in the August 3rd loss to Dallas, faceoff specialist Alex Woodall will square up against a new opponent in faceoff specialist Noah Rak, a midseason acquisition for the Rattlers. Liam Byrnes continues to prove his worth to the Blaze defense and currently leads all defenders in caused turnovers (22) and is tied for second in ground balls (51) and through Week 13. The Blaze offense will look to cool down Dallas goalie and Rookie of the Year contender Sean Sconone, who is now 6-3 as a starter with a 55.36% save percentage on the season. The next goal for leading goal scorer Shayne Jackson will set the Blaze single-season scoring record at 38 goals.
Blaze Offensive Coordinator Pat March was recently named Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the Syracuse Men's Lacrosse team. Coach March will be moving on from Princeton where he lead the Tigers to three consecutive in the top ten in goals per game in Division I. The Blaze offense this year ranks first in every statistical category and already hold the Major League Lacrosse record for assists by a team in a season.
RECORD BOOK
There are several records to look out for on Saturday night:
1 goal will give Shayne Jackson the Blaze single-season scoring record (38)
9Â saves will give Chris Madalon the Blaze single-season save record (195)
10 goals would give the 2019 Blaze the Blaze single-season scoring record (200)
9 faceoffs won would give the 2019 Blaze the team single-season faceoff record (223)
A win would give the Blaze the most wins in a season in team history (8)
TEAM LEADERS (THROUGH 13 GAMES)
Points: 51, Shayne Jackson
Goals: 37, Shayne Jackson
Assists: 29, Randy Staats
Caused Turnovers: 22, Liam Byrnes
Ground Balls: 123, Alex Woodall
Faceoff Wins: 214, Alex Woodall
Saves: 186, Chris Madalon
ABOUT THE ATLANTA BLAZE
On August 7, 2015, the MLL granted an expansion franchise to Atlanta, Georgia for the 2016 MLL season. The league had previously held several games in Atlanta before including the 2014 and 2015 championship games. The Blaze have improved every season, posting a 7-7 record in 2018, and will be looking to make the playoffs for the first time this year. Liam Banks is in his second year as head coach of the team.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from September 5, 2019
- MLL Week 13: Inside the Numbers - MLL
- Week 14 Preview: Blaze Travel to Ford Center to Face Dallas - Atlanta Blaze
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