Al Giscombe, Beat Writer Atlanta Blaze
Lacrosse is Awesome
On July 1, 2017 the Atlanta Blaze (4-5) showed the MLL and the world that they are a team with the desire to make a run for the playoffs. This weekend, the Blaze had a particularly strong fan base as opposed to their previous games. They would see 2,288 fans rally and see them defeat the Florida Launch (5-5) in a blistering and skillful showcase of lacrosse. Ten of the 17 goals scored by the Blaze were assisted. Final Score: Atlanta 17—Florida 4.
After trading goals with the Florida Launch in the first quarter, the Blaze ignited for seven unanswered goals dominating the second quarter. The Launch would see only three goals in the first half: Nick Mariano; Chazz Woodson; and Tim Edwards. As Dyan Donahue; Kevin Rice; James Pannell; Chris Bocklet; and Mark Matthews each found the net and dished out several assists. The inside game for the Blaze was on, as crisp pinpoint passing was on display. Halftime Score: Blaze 6—Launch 3.
In the third quarter the Blaze dominated the game. They would see Justin Pennington; Matthews; Jake Withers; and Rice each with one goal apiece. Alec Tulett would score the lone goal of the second half for the Launch. It was apparent the Blaze were not interested in allowing the Launch any chance of a comeback. The Blaze defense was stingy led by Adam Ghitelman, MLL All-star selectee with 12 saves on 16 shots. The third quarter ended Blaze 11—Launch 4.
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The Blaze defense played outstanding in the fourth quarter and completely shut down, shut out and totally dominated the Launch’s offense. From one-on-one match ups to rides the Blaze took control of this game with every opportunity to score. The Blaze sent a message to Florida and the league, and that message is…Atlanta wants a playoff spot. The final goal of the game summed up the entire game as Matt Mackrides would bullet an empty-netter unassisted two point goal to close out the game at the 13:12 mark. Kevin Rice was the game MVP with five goals and two assists. Final score Atlanta 17—Florida 4.
The Blaze (4-5) heads to Denver on Tuesday July 4, 2017 to face the red hot Outlaws (6-2) who have moved back into first place after the New York Lizards (4-5) defeated the Ohio Machine (7-3) on Thursday June 29, 2017. This will be the final game for each team until after the All-Star Break.
Al Giscombe, Beat Writer Atlanta Blaze
Lacrosse is Awesome