MLL Week 10 Preview Boston vs. Toronto

7/18/10 7:00 AM

MLL Week 10 Preview – Boston vs. Toronto

By Meg Andrews

The Boston Cannons (6-3) will return to game day action Saturday July 24 at Harvard Stadium at 7pm when they face-off against the Toronto Nationals (3-6) for the second time this season. A win against the Nationals is important for the Cannons because not only would they remain undefeated at home with a 5-0 record, but they would also clinch a spot in the Major League Lacrosse Championship Tournament which will be held at Navy Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, MD August 21and 22.

The Cannons had successful performances during week nine of the 2010 season with a win against the Chesapeake Bayhawks 16-10. The Cannons scored the first nine points of the game and five players contributed to the scoreboard. Paul Rabil led the way for the Cannons with four goals including a two-point goal for five points. Matt Poskay added three goals for Boston, Max Quinzani and Kevin Buchanan each recorded two goals and an assist, and Brad Ross scored one goal for the Cannons.

Before the victory against the Bayhawks, Boston Cannons players Paul Rabil and Kevin Buchanan proudly represented the Cannons during the BudLight Skills Competition during the MLL All-Star game on Thursday July 8. Paul Rabil won Fastest Shot for the second year in a row with a 111mph shot. And Kevin Buchanan won the Freestyle Shot contest with his over-the-back-of-the-net shot. Five other Cannons players also made appearances in the All-Star game. Kevin Buchanan played alongside Matt Poskay and Chris Eck on the MLL All-Star team against Ryan Boyle, Kyle Sweeney, and Ryan McClay who played for Team USA with Paul Rabil.

MLL players will spend a bye week resting and refocusing their energy on the end of the season. “The bye week is good to get a little rest, take care of some injuries but most importantly we can't forget about lacrosse. As a staff we'll start looking at some film of the upcoming opponents,” Boston Cannons Head Coach Bill Daye stated.

Now with only three games left in the regular season the Cannons are focusing mentally and physically more than ever in order to capture wins and ensure a place in the championship tournament. Coach Daye said, “The most important thing for us in these three last games is to focus on playing smart, playing well and most importantly being consistent. If we can do this then I think we'll put ourselves in position to get the W.”

The first opportunity for the Cannons to capture another “W” will be their contest against the Toronto Nationals. The Cannons will play against the Nationals without the help of Paul Rabil, Ryan Boyle, Kyle Sweeney, and Ryan McClay who will all be playing for the US National Team during the FIL World Games July 14-24. “Without Rabil, Boyle, Sweeney & McClay the game against Toronto will be a little bit more challenging but it's also an opportunity for guys to step up and contribute. Not to mention it's at home so that always helps a little,” Daye stated.“It’s just one of those things, we’re going to have to go out there and play the game. If we’re focused and play our game I don’t think we’ll have any issues,” Cannons starting goaltender Kip Turner commented.

The Boston Cannons have had a remarkable season thus far and know what it’s going to take in order to make it to Championship Weekend. “We have a lot of great players on one team. Everyone wants to win for the team. No one is out there for themselves and everyone understands the team mentality,” Turner stated.“Our immediate goal is to win the league. We don’t want to lose another game. We just want to keep that momentum going. “

The game will be streamed live on ESPN3.com and will be broadcast live on Cox Sports Television in Rhode Island and New Orleans. The game will be shown tape delayed on Universal Sports, Comcast Sports Net New England and BrightHouse Sports in Florida.

2010 Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend presented by Warrior
August 21-22, Annapolis, MD
For information and tickets go to www.majorleaguelacrosse.com