With the season soon drawing to a close, I'm going to look at every team in the MLL. I will look at the present, past, and future of each team and judge their playoff hopes (If they are in!).
First up is the Chesapeake Bayhawks. They will enter the tournament as the #4 and last seed, playing the Boston Cannons. That will be a challenge, no doubt, but they may have the home crowd on their side playing in Annapolis, Maryland.
In general, I don't see the Bayhawks getting very far in the playoffs. I thought Chicago was a much better team wit scorers like the Leveille's, Ned Crotty, and Chris Roetelli. The Bayhawks top scorer, Peet Poillon, can put the ball in the net and ranks third in the MLL in points behind only Matt Poskay and Matt Danowski. But their next leading scorer is Kyle Dixon with 33, and then Danny Glading with 26. They are third in the league in goals for, behind only Toronto (non-playoff team) and surprisingly Denver, though they made the playoffs solely on defense and goal tending. They do, however, lead the league in 2pt field goals with 16.
Chesapeake can make the playoffs at best a .500 team and at worst 5-7. The Bayhawks are also a mere 3-3 at home and 2-3 on the road, and travel to Boston t end their season next week, so that home field advantage ma be non-existent.
If one player can help the Bayhawks do teh unlikely and beat Boston in the playoffs, it would be either Dixon or Garrity. Chris Garrity, at 5-4 on the season, is fourth in the league with a 12.84 GAA, but has been lights out several occasions, including last week vs the Machine, who they beat by four goals to advance. Garrity is also third in the league in goal tending minutes with 579, behind only Kip Turner and Drew Adams, so the Bayhawks will be relying on him over Boston native and 0-2 goaltender Mike Levin.
For Dixon, he is going to need a performance smiler to Saturday, scoring four points in the Bayhawks win. Th Bayhawks will need more than just their stars in Dixon and Poillon, however, if they want to beat the goal scoring powerhouse that is Boston. They will need Danny Glading and Brian Vetter on their A game as well.
The Bayhawks are an interesting team as a whole, with not much scoring potential but they find a way to put the ball in the net enough. With young players like #1 draft pick Micheal Kimmell and hometown player Brian Carrol, the Bayhawks may make a bit of noise this Championship Weekend for the first time since 2005. But my opinion? Good ride, bu the 'Hawks will not get by Boston.
Showing posts with label Machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Machine. Show all posts
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Playoffs Clinched for Four Teams
Last night the other two teams clinched their tickets to to the playoffs, with Long Island beating Toronto and Chesapeake beating Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Boston Cannons defeated the Denver Outlaws to clinch #1 seed overall heading into the playoffs. A game where Matt Poskay scored yet another record, he now has 42 goals, breaking the Cannons record of goals in a season.
For Long Island, Goettelmann broke the record of all-time MLL goals last night in their win over the Toronto Nationals. Goetelmann was held scoreless the first three quarters, but scored the last three to secure the playoff spot of the Lizards.
The Bayhawks clinched their first berth since 2005, dfeating the Chicago Machine, who woul have clinch if they had won. Chesapeake also had to beat Chicago by four goals to offset the tiebreaker, or else if Chicago won next week the Bayhawks were out.
Championship weekend is August 21st and 22nd in Annapolis, Maryyland.
Meanwhile, the Boston Cannons defeated the Denver Outlaws to clinch #1 seed overall heading into the playoffs. A game where Matt Poskay scored yet another record, he now has 42 goals, breaking the Cannons record of goals in a season.
For Long Island, Goettelmann broke the record of all-time MLL goals last night in their win over the Toronto Nationals. Goetelmann was held scoreless the first three quarters, but scored the last three to secure the playoff spot of the Lizards.
The Bayhawks clinched their first berth since 2005, dfeating the Chicago Machine, who woul have clinch if they had won. Chesapeake also had to beat Chicago by four goals to offset the tiebreaker, or else if Chicago won next week the Bayhawks were out.
Championship weekend is August 21st and 22nd in Annapolis, Maryyland.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Top Plays of Week 10 and Other MLL Note
http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/game-highlight/1099/top-5-plays-of-week-10/
Here are your news & Notes for Week 11 of your MLL season:
Last week the Outlaws and Cannons clinched playoff spots, so there are only two more spots available for Toronto, Long Island, Chesapeake, and Chicago. My personal feeling: Long Island and Chicago will make it. Chesapeake does not scare me at all, and Toronto is all but out, but if a miracle occurs and Toronto makes the playoffs, they could be a dangerous team, or at the least a dangerous spoiler.
Award Winners for this week: Stephen Berger of the Lizards wins Offensive Player of the week, Kip Turner of the Cannons wins Defensive Player o the week, and Conor Martin of Denver wins Rookie of the Week in his MLL debut.
Those are you news and notes in the MLL for this week.
This week's action all takes place Saturday with Long Island vs Toronto, Boston vs Denver, and Chesapeake vs Chicago.
Here are your news & Notes for Week 11 of your MLL season:
Last week the Outlaws and Cannons clinched playoff spots, so there are only two more spots available for Toronto, Long Island, Chesapeake, and Chicago. My personal feeling: Long Island and Chicago will make it. Chesapeake does not scare me at all, and Toronto is all but out, but if a miracle occurs and Toronto makes the playoffs, they could be a dangerous team, or at the least a dangerous spoiler.
Award Winners for this week: Stephen Berger of the Lizards wins Offensive Player of the week, Kip Turner of the Cannons wins Defensive Player o the week, and Conor Martin of Denver wins Rookie of the Week in his MLL debut.
Those are you news and notes in the MLL for this week.
This week's action all takes place Saturday with Long Island vs Toronto, Boston vs Denver, and Chesapeake vs Chicago.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Another Look at the MLL
Last week I took a look at the Boston Cannons, Long Island Lizards and Toronto Nationals. This week let's look at how the season has progressed for the Denver Outlaws, Chesapeake Bayhawks and Chicago Machine.
Let's take a look where these teams are in the standings:
Boston 7-3
OUTLAWS 7-3
Long Island 5-5 2 GB
MACHINE 4-6 3 GB
BAYHAWKS 4-6 3 GB
Toronto 3-7 4 GB
The Outlaws have had a good year all season, fighing all season long to stay with Boston at the top spot of the league. Led by the 33 points of Team USA player Brenden Mundorf, the Outlaws can score with the help of Drew Westervelt, Dan hardy, and Max Seibald. Also on the roster is Team USA goaltender Jesse Schwartzerman, who is third in the MLL in GAA.
The Chicago Machine had a good start to the MLL season, but you imagine it's hard bouncing around city-to-city with no real home stadium. With Casey Powell opting out of playing this season, the Machine selected Ned Crotty of Duke with their first overall pick. Along with the Leveille's, the Machine can be a dangerous team if they find a way into the playoffs.
The Bayhawks, led by perennial all-star Peet Polion, could also be a team to look out for, or they could easily fall into irrelevance if the Nationals find a way to get hot. With Pollion second to only Matt Poskay in scoring, you have to go all the way down to ninth to find the Bayhawk's next leading scorer in Kyle Dixon. Chesapeake is second to last in scoring to only Toronto, a team that may turn it on later on in the season.
Let's take a look where these teams are in the standings:
Boston 7-3
OUTLAWS 7-3
Long Island 5-5 2 GB
MACHINE 4-6 3 GB
BAYHAWKS 4-6 3 GB
Toronto 3-7 4 GB
The Outlaws have had a good year all season, fighing all season long to stay with Boston at the top spot of the league. Led by the 33 points of Team USA player Brenden Mundorf, the Outlaws can score with the help of Drew Westervelt, Dan hardy, and Max Seibald. Also on the roster is Team USA goaltender Jesse Schwartzerman, who is third in the MLL in GAA.
The Chicago Machine had a good start to the MLL season, but you imagine it's hard bouncing around city-to-city with no real home stadium. With Casey Powell opting out of playing this season, the Machine selected Ned Crotty of Duke with their first overall pick. Along with the Leveille's, the Machine can be a dangerous team if they find a way into the playoffs.
The Bayhawks, led by perennial all-star Peet Polion, could also be a team to look out for, or they could easily fall into irrelevance if the Nationals find a way to get hot. With Pollion second to only Matt Poskay in scoring, you have to go all the way down to ninth to find the Bayhawk's next leading scorer in Kyle Dixon. Chesapeake is second to last in scoring to only Toronto, a team that may turn it on later on in the season.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rochester Looking to Bring Back Team
Rob Clark, the owner of a soccer franchise Rochester Rhinos, says he wants to bring back a MLL team to Rochester. Clark, in his third year as owner of the Rhinos pro soccer club, helped bring an MLL regular season game to Marina Auto Stadium last month when the Chicago Machine played the Denver Outlaws.
“Last month’s game proved that Rochester is supportive of both soccer and lacrosse” said Rhinos CEO an owner Rob Clark. “I am committed to showcasing the highest caliber sports teams to our community, not just the Rochester Rhinos, who have never missed the playoffs in their 15 year history, but starting a new winning tradition with a lacrosse team featuring the best players in the world.”
Lacrosse has had a history in Rochester, with the Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL, and the Rochester Rattlers of the MLL played until 2008. There is also speculation the Chicago Machine may move to Rochester next season.
“Last month’s game proved that Rochester is supportive of both soccer and lacrosse” said Rhinos CEO an owner Rob Clark. “I am committed to showcasing the highest caliber sports teams to our community, not just the Rochester Rhinos, who have never missed the playoffs in their 15 year history, but starting a new winning tradition with a lacrosse team featuring the best players in the world.”
Lacrosse has had a history in Rochester, with the Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL, and the Rochester Rattlers of the MLL played until 2008. There is also speculation the Chicago Machine may move to Rochester next season.
Monday, July 12, 2010
MLL Weekend Game Recaps
In the last weekend of MLL before the FIL, here are your recaps!
The Boston Cannons defeated the Chesapeake Bayhwaks Saturday to stay tied for 1st place in the MLL with Denver. Paul Rabil scored four goals including a two point goal. With Chris Eck out last night, John Ortolani was called up from the practice sqaud and made an immediate impact. He won the opening face-off and gave Rabil the opening goal. Matt Poskay scored three goals and is now four goals away from tying the all-time scoring record in Cannons history
Matt Donowski made MLL history in the Lizard's win vs the Machine, scoring three two pointers in his four goal night. As you remember, the last time the Lizards and Machine met it was an overtime thriller. This one stayed in regulation, however close. With three minutes left and the Machine up by one, one of Danowski's two-pointers took the lead and it stayed that way.
Meanwhile in the FIL world, the Iroquois nation has still been denied entry and it appears unlikely they will participate.
The Boston Cannons defeated the Chesapeake Bayhwaks Saturday to stay tied for 1st place in the MLL with Denver. Paul Rabil scored four goals including a two point goal. With Chris Eck out last night, John Ortolani was called up from the practice sqaud and made an immediate impact. He won the opening face-off and gave Rabil the opening goal. Matt Poskay scored three goals and is now four goals away from tying the all-time scoring record in Cannons history
Matt Donowski made MLL history in the Lizard's win vs the Machine, scoring three two pointers in his four goal night. As you remember, the last time the Lizards and Machine met it was an overtime thriller. This one stayed in regulation, however close. With three minutes left and the Machine up by one, one of Danowski's two-pointers took the lead and it stayed that way.
Meanwhile in the FIL world, the Iroquois nation has still been denied entry and it appears unlikely they will participate.
Friday, July 9, 2010
MLL All-Star Game Review
Last night Team USA eked by the MLL All-Stars, 13-12, to finish their exhibition play.
The Bud Light MVP Brenden Mundorf scored six goals for USA and scored the game winner. Ryan Powell scored the goal that brought them within one and the game winner. For the MLL All-Stars, they put in a terrific effort, with Anthony Kelly, Kevin LeVeille, and Peet Poillon scoring two goals a piece.
The key to the game was the MLL All-Stars great defense that shut down Paul Rabil. The MLL All-Stars were projected to have great defense, but at times in the first half Team USA looked over matched. They dropped a lot passes and looked very sloppy on offense, and blew some coverages on defense. They ended up with the lead after two though, with a five goal second period.
The Halftime skills contest was spectacular. Paul Rabil defended his title as hardest shot, and tied his record shooting 111. Chicago rookie Ned Crotty won the two point contest, and Kevin Bucanan won the free style, scoring after running up a staircase made of people (including Anthony Kelly) balanced on the crossbar, and scored.
In the second half, the MLL All-Stars made a run and took the lead, 9-6. Matt Danowski scored on a two point shot to tie it and then the All-Stars scored three more goals. But Mundorf took over again and scored two goals before the end of the period to cut the lead to one going into the fourth quarter. Ryan Powell put in the game winner with 1:00 left.
The USA did prevail in the end, but have to make some big time adjustments going into the FIL. Adam Fullerton looked bad in net, and USA had butterfingers in the first half. They have the talent to win, but they need to take improvements out of this.
The Bud Light MVP Brenden Mundorf scored six goals for USA and scored the game winner. Ryan Powell scored the goal that brought them within one and the game winner. For the MLL All-Stars, they put in a terrific effort, with Anthony Kelly, Kevin LeVeille, and Peet Poillon scoring two goals a piece.
The key to the game was the MLL All-Stars great defense that shut down Paul Rabil. The MLL All-Stars were projected to have great defense, but at times in the first half Team USA looked over matched. They dropped a lot passes and looked very sloppy on offense, and blew some coverages on defense. They ended up with the lead after two though, with a five goal second period.
The Halftime skills contest was spectacular. Paul Rabil defended his title as hardest shot, and tied his record shooting 111. Chicago rookie Ned Crotty won the two point contest, and Kevin Bucanan won the free style, scoring after running up a staircase made of people (including Anthony Kelly) balanced on the crossbar, and scored.
In the second half, the MLL All-Stars made a run and took the lead, 9-6. Matt Danowski scored on a two point shot to tie it and then the All-Stars scored three more goals. But Mundorf took over again and scored two goals before the end of the period to cut the lead to one going into the fourth quarter. Ryan Powell put in the game winner with 1:00 left.
The USA did prevail in the end, but have to make some big time adjustments going into the FIL. Adam Fullerton looked bad in net, and USA had butterfingers in the first half. They have the talent to win, but they need to take improvements out of this.
Monday, July 5, 2010
MLL Week in Review
Reviewing the last week of MLL action before the all-star game....
Denver beat Chesapeake in one of the biggest crowds in MLL history. In a ver rainy and overcast game, Matt Bocklet and Max Seibald had hat-tricks for the Outlaws. The rain created swamp at invesco made scoring difficult and the added pressure of the tough Denver defense made it hard, as Denver held the Chesapeake attack at bay to win the Fourth-of-July games, 12-10.
The Long Island Lizards beat the Chicago Machine in a must-win game. The Lizards were down by four points with 9:30 left in the game before scoring the next four goals and five points, thanks to Chris Fiore's two point shot. Chris Rotelli scored with 0:04 on the clock to tie the game, but !:42 in, Zack Greer scored the game winner for Long Island.
The Nationals defeated the Cannons, 15-13 to better their record to 3-5 and continue their win streak. The Cannons scored the first two goals, the first a first career goal for Stephen Boyle. You can read the rest of my Cannons-Nats recap here
Denver beat Chesapeake in one of the biggest crowds in MLL history. In a ver rainy and overcast game, Matt Bocklet and Max Seibald had hat-tricks for the Outlaws. The rain created swamp at invesco made scoring difficult and the added pressure of the tough Denver defense made it hard, as Denver held the Chesapeake attack at bay to win the Fourth-of-July games, 12-10.
The Long Island Lizards beat the Chicago Machine in a must-win game. The Lizards were down by four points with 9:30 left in the game before scoring the next four goals and five points, thanks to Chris Fiore's two point shot. Chris Rotelli scored with 0:04 on the clock to tie the game, but !:42 in, Zack Greer scored the game winner for Long Island.
The Nationals defeated the Cannons, 15-13 to better their record to 3-5 and continue their win streak. The Cannons scored the first two goals, the first a first career goal for Stephen Boyle. You can read the rest of my Cannons-Nats recap here
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
MLL heads into week 8
Major League Lacrosse heads into week eight off it's season, so here are a few notes:
Standings:
Boston 5-2
Chesapeake 4-3 1 GB
Chicago 4-3 1 GB
Denver 4-3 1 GB
Long Island 2-5 3 GB
Toronto 2-5 3 GB
Week eight begins Thursday night and continues throughout the fourth of July before the All-star game on July 8th. Last week Denver, Chesapeake and Long Island all lost while scoring 14 goals.
Toronto has now won two straight games, and sit only three games out of first and two games out of second.
Offensive player of the week was Chicago's Mike LeVelle. Jordon Burke, Boston's backup goalie, was named defensive player of the week. And Chicago's Ned Crotty earned rookie of the week.
On July 3rd you can watch the Machine play Long Island on ESPN2.
Standings:
Boston 5-2
Chesapeake 4-3 1 GB
Chicago 4-3 1 GB
Denver 4-3 1 GB
Long Island 2-5 3 GB
Toronto 2-5 3 GB
Week eight begins Thursday night and continues throughout the fourth of July before the All-star game on July 8th. Last week Denver, Chesapeake and Long Island all lost while scoring 14 goals.
Toronto has now won two straight games, and sit only three games out of first and two games out of second.
Offensive player of the week was Chicago's Mike LeVelle. Jordon Burke, Boston's backup goalie, was named defensive player of the week. And Chicago's Ned Crotty earned rookie of the week.
On July 3rd you can watch the Machine play Long Island on ESPN2.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
MLL Announces All-stars
Major League Lacrosse announced their all-star roster for July 8th at Harvard Stadium. They will play team USA.
Attack:
Matt Poskay (Boston)
Kevin Levelle (Chicago)
Danny Glading (Chicago)
Matt Donowski (Long Island)
MidField:
Matt Abbott (Chesapeake)
Stepehen Berger (Long Island)
Dan Hardy (Denver)
Chris Rotelli (Chicago)
Kevin Buchannan (Boston)
Bill McGlone (Chicago)
Peet Poillion (Chesapeake)
Face-off
Chris Eck (Boston)
Anthony Kelly (Chicago)
Defense:
Matt Bocklet (Denver)
Brodie Merrill (Toronto)
Micheal Evans (Chesapeake)
Nicky Polonco (Long Island)
Brian Spallina (Long Island)
Goalies:
Chris Garrity (Chesapeake)
Jesse Schwartzman (Denver)
Team USA (21 current MLL players)
Attack:
Ryan Boyle (Boston)
Mike Levieille (Chicago)
Brenden Mundorf (Denver)
Ryan Powell (No MLL)
Drew Westervelt (Denver)
Midfield
Ned Crotty (Chicago)
Kevin Cassese (Boston)
Kyle Dixon (Chesapeake)
Stephen Peyser (Long Island)
Paul Rabil (Boston)
Chris Schiller (No MLL)
Max Seibald (Denver)
Alex Smith (Chesapeake)
Matt Streibal (Chicago)
Matt Zash (Long Island)
Defense:
Joe Cinosky (Toronto)
DJ Driscol (Chicago)
Eric Martin (Denver)
Ryan McClay (Boston)
Shawn Nadelen (Chesapeake)
Kyle Sweeny (Boston)
Goaltenders:
Brian Doughtery (Long Island)
Ryan Fullerton (Denver)
Attack:
Matt Poskay (Boston)
Kevin Levelle (Chicago)
Danny Glading (Chicago)
Matt Donowski (Long Island)
MidField:
Matt Abbott (Chesapeake)
Stepehen Berger (Long Island)
Dan Hardy (Denver)
Chris Rotelli (Chicago)
Kevin Buchannan (Boston)
Bill McGlone (Chicago)
Peet Poillion (Chesapeake)
Face-off
Chris Eck (Boston)
Anthony Kelly (Chicago)
Defense:
Matt Bocklet (Denver)
Brodie Merrill (Toronto)
Micheal Evans (Chesapeake)
Nicky Polonco (Long Island)
Brian Spallina (Long Island)
Goalies:
Chris Garrity (Chesapeake)
Jesse Schwartzman (Denver)
Team USA (21 current MLL players)
Attack:
Ryan Boyle (Boston)
Mike Levieille (Chicago)
Brenden Mundorf (Denver)
Ryan Powell (No MLL)
Drew Westervelt (Denver)
Midfield
Ned Crotty (Chicago)
Kevin Cassese (Boston)
Kyle Dixon (Chesapeake)
Stephen Peyser (Long Island)
Paul Rabil (Boston)
Chris Schiller (No MLL)
Max Seibald (Denver)
Alex Smith (Chesapeake)
Matt Streibal (Chicago)
Matt Zash (Long Island)
Defense:
Joe Cinosky (Toronto)
DJ Driscol (Chicago)
Eric Martin (Denver)
Ryan McClay (Boston)
Shawn Nadelen (Chesapeake)
Kyle Sweeny (Boston)
Goaltenders:
Brian Doughtery (Long Island)
Ryan Fullerton (Denver)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Machine Aquire Levine
The Chicago Machine and Chesapeake Bayhawks announced a trade. The Bayhawks will send Jordan Levine to the Machine for Chazz Woodson.
“Trading a guy with Woodson’s talent is not easy; however, we think Levine fills a big need in our line-up,” said Machine Director of Player Personnel Scott Hiller. “At this point in the season, you have to evaluate your needs. Therefore, this trade makes perfect sense for the Machine and the Bayhawks"
The Machine have been looking for a midfielder since drafting Ned Crotty, they have good depth at Attack.
Woodson was the 20th overall pick by Long Island in 2005. Levine was the 10th overall pick by New Jersey in 2008. Levine has only played this season in Chesapeake, but he helped lead Toronto to a title last season.
“Trading a guy with Woodson’s talent is not easy; however, we think Levine fills a big need in our line-up,” said Machine Director of Player Personnel Scott Hiller. “At this point in the season, you have to evaluate your needs. Therefore, this trade makes perfect sense for the Machine and the Bayhawks"
The Machine have been looking for a midfielder since drafting Ned Crotty, they have good depth at Attack.
Woodson was the 20th overall pick by Long Island in 2005. Levine was the 10th overall pick by New Jersey in 2008. Levine has only played this season in Chesapeake, but he helped lead Toronto to a title last season.
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