MLL New York Lizards

Week 14 Preview: Lizards at Machine

July 15, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New York Lizards News Release


Who: Ohio Machine (7-5) v. New York Lizards (10-2)

When: Saturday, July 18th, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Selby Stadium, Delaware, OH

Watch: ESPN3 & MSG+

Week 14 Pregame Notes

The New York Lizards prepare to take on the Ohio Machine after coming off a convincing win over the Denver Outlaws. After beating the Machine 14-8 in Week 1, the two teams meet again in a late-season battle to see if the Lizards can complete the season sweep against Ohio.

Week 13 Recap

Week 13 saw the Lizards triumph the Denver Outlaws 18-15 in a rainy affair. The victory sealed the top seed for the Lizards for the 2015 postseason, guaranteeing the team a home playoff game in the process.

Greg Gurenlian continued his dominance at the faceoff 'X' as he went 30-35 (86%) for the game. Gurenlian also had a game-high 18 ground balls, and was named FOAthlete of the week for the seventh time this season.

Rob Pannell finished the game with a game-high seven points on five goals and two assists, propelling himself to the league lead in total points. Paul Rabil ended with four points on the night, with two goals and two assists, and JoJo Marasco and Matt Gibson each tallied three goals.

What to Look Out For

Lizards Look Toward Playoffs

After beating Denver, the Lizards prepare to play their first ever home playoff game on August 1st. The opponent is unknown as of now, but the game will be played at James M. Shuart Stadium at 6:30p.m.

High Scoring Outputs are Story of the Season

The Lizards have not scored less then 12 goals once this season, as they look to keep that streak going against Ohio this weekend. The Lizards' offense has been ranked the best in the league up to this point this season, with an array of weapons that can score from all over the field.

Coaches' Notes

When asked about the win against Denver, securing the number one spot for the playoffs, Head Coach Joe Spallina commented: "When you get into the flow of the game, and the rain takes a toll on the game, it was great for our guys to regain their energy after the rain delay. It's easy to take your foot off the gas, but our guys didn't do it."

In regards to how much resting will go on with the players in the next few weeks, Spallina noted: "We won't rest anyone based on their importance to the team. We could give some guys rest, but it will be based on how they are feeling physically and if we need them to rest going into the playoffs. Guys feel good in the locker room, and especially since we are on the road the last two games, it will be based on how guys feel."

On his personal success of his collegiate, club, and MLL teams: "There are actually a lot of parallels between each team. When I took over the Lizards, it wasn't the prettiest situation, but fortunately everyone bought in and wanted to be a part of something special, and that is what it has become. It's important when the foundation of your teams is not about the lacrosse stick or ball, but it is about what you do with them and the hard work you put in together as a team."

Looking Ahead

After the upcoming game against Ohio, the Lizards will travel to Denver to play the Outlaws on July 25th. In their previous matchup, the Lizards won a tight game 18-15 in week 13. After the last game of the regular season at Denver, the Lizards will compete for the Steinfeld Cup in the first round of the playoffs on August 1st in a home game at James M. Shuart Stadium.

For tickets to the game, please visit NYLizards.com/Tickets or call 1-855-NYLIZARDS.

Check out the New York Lizards Statistics



Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 15, 2015


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