Di Miller, Correspondent Denver Outlaws
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Featured Image Photo Credit: Di Miller
On October 6, 2019 the No. 1 Seed Chesapeake Bayhawks (12-6) went up against the No. 2 Seed Denver Outlaws (11-7) in what turned out to be a very controversial ending to an exciting game. The game ended on a very controversial call which many fans will be talking about for quite a while. But the season is over, the new MLL Champions have been crowned and the Steinfeld Trophy has a new name plate: 2019 Chesapeake Bayhawks. Final Score: Bayhawks 10—Outlaws 9.
The game was low scoring with the Bayhawks starting out with a five-goal run in the first (Lyle Thompson (2g, 1a); Steele Stanwick (2g, 1a); Nick Mariano (1g, 1a); Shane Simpson (2g); and Brendan Bomberry(1g)) with the Outlaws finally getting on the board with 1:19 left in the first off rookie Kyle Marr (1g, 1a).
The second quarter got off to a slow start as well, with Denver the first to notch a goal at the 8:23 mark. Outlaws midfielder Zach Currier (1g) would team up with Brendan Kavanagh closing the gap 5-2. But the Bayhawks would have nothing of it and would put two more on the board. The first from Matt Abbott; and the second from Simpson giving them yet another five goal gap with 4:13 left in the first half. The Outlaws offense was stymied and the defense couldn’t figure out how to control the powerful Bayhawks offense. Denver would put one more on the board before the half. Ryan Lee (3g) found his way through the defense to score on Brian Phipps with 3:15 remaining, but that was it for the Outlaws in the first half. Thompson would notch his second for the Bayhawks on the afternoon with 2:22 left again increasing the gap to five. Score at the end of the second: Bayhawks 8—Outlaws 3.
What the fans witnessed in the third was a complete shut out of one of the most powerful offenses in Major League Lacrosse. The Denver Outlaws defense would halt the Bayhawks offense and although it took almost half the frame for Denver to score, they would put up the two lone goals in the frame to close the gap to within three. Lee would notch his second at 7:57; and Mikie Schlosser (2g) would put up his first 30 seconds later. Both net-minders would stand tall between the pipes for the remaining six and a half minutes not allowing a goal. Score at the end of three: Bayhawks 8—Outlaws 5.
The fourth quarter would end up a controversial one; and as always the losing team calling “foul”. However, in this case, the Outlaws may have a legitimate case but the game and season is over so let’s just call it good. Denver would go on a four-goal run carrying their scoring streak over from the third. Chris Aslanian (1g) would hit twice 15 seconds in; John Grant, Jr. (1g, 2a) was next to score; Schlosser (tying goal 8-8) and Lee would be the last to score for Denver with Lee’s goal the go ahead goal at the 7:52 mark. Neither team would score for the next five and a half minutes. At the 2:15 mark is when it became controversial. Stanwick would score the tying goal 9-9, however if you look at numerous video clips, not only did Stanwick’s hand touch inside the crease, but he made contact with Dillon Ward before the ball crossed GLE. The referee’s not only called the goal good, but also hit Denver with two penalties in the process; a bench unsportsmanlike and an illegal cross check. This meant that there would be no face-off. This gave the Bayhawks immediate possession of the ball allowing them to score yet another goal less than a minute later at the 1:11 mark off Andrew Kew to take the lead 10-9. Chesapeake would win the ensuing face-off and control the final possession giving them the win.
So…you make the call. If you haven’t seen the video clip it’s all over Twitter so check it out.
The game stats were virtually even so fans were able to see some stellar lacrosse, but it makes one wonder that even with instant replay how can such blatant mistakes happen. This isn’t the first time that goals that shouldn’t have been end up going on the board; and others that are end up being called “No goal”. While it’s not a perfect system, they put in the replay monitors for a reason. If the fans can see it on the big screen, then the men in the black and white stripes looking at a monitor on the field from multiple angles and in slow motion certainly should be able to as well.
GAME STATS:
Denver Outlaws: SOG 18; STOT 40; GB 43; FO 11-22; PP 2-2
Chesapeake Bayhawks: SOG 21; STOT 40; GB 22; FO 11-22; PP 1-8
Until next season…..
Di Miller, Correspondent Denver Outlaws
Lacrosse is Awesome©