Cannons Week 9 Preview

7/7/10 10:00 AM

MLL Week 9 Preview – Boston at Chesapeake

By Meg Andrews

The Boston Cannons (5-3) will travel to Annapolis, MD for the second time this season on Saturday July 10 to take on the Chesapeake Bayhawks (4-4) at 7pm. Last week the Cannons lost to the Toronto Nationals 17-15 snapping a three-game winning streak. The Bayhawks have lost their last three after starting the season 4-1.

There were some bright spots for the Cannons in the loss. Rookie Steven Boyle proved scored his first two professional goals. Matt Poskay also scored twice and continues to lead the league with 31 goals and 36 points while Paul Rabil had 4 points on 2 goals (one of the a 2-pointer) and an assist. In goal the Cannons went to a two-goalie system with Jordan Burke replaced Kip Turner at the start of the second half.

The Cannons held a 13-12 lead after three quarters but were held scoreless in the fourth quarter and lost 15-13.

Chesapeake was also disappointed with their 12-10 loss against the Denver Outlaws last Saturday. In the lossBrian Vetter scored a career-high of four goals and Peet Poillon had three goals and an assist. Attackmen Andrew "Buggs" Combs had a hat-trick and Danny Glading scored a goal and three assists. However, the Bayhawks fell behind 3-0 in the opening five minutes of the game and played catch-up throughout the remaining 55 minutes of play.

Before the Cannons and the Bayhawks battle it out to on Saturday, both teams will be represented during the MLL All-Star game this Thursday at Harvard Stadium at 7pm. Boston Cannons players Kevin Buchanan, Chris Eck, and Matt Poskay will play on the MLL All-Star team alongside Chesapeake Bayhawks players Matt Abbott, Michael Evans, Chris Garrity, Danny Glading, and Peet Poillon. Representing the US National Team will be Ryan Boyle, Ryan McClay, and Paul Rabil from the Cannons and Kyle Dixon,Shawn Nadelen, and Alex Smith of the Bayhawks.

Despite disappointing outcomes in week seven, both teams are confident they can pull together and capture a win. Chesapeake Bayhawks Andrew “Buggs” Combs said, "I'm not worried. Things will come together. We're still the same team that started the season 4-1.”

“We have to play lacrosse, that’s our job,” Boston Cannons Head Coach Bill Daye stated. “We need to be stronger throughout the whole game.” Cannons fans have seen some amazing comebacks from this determined team throughout the season and should be confident they can pull through again. “The most important thing is that we’ve never given up,” Coach Daye said. “We tighten the reigns, we play hard, we play smart, and we play to the last whistle.”

The game will be broadcast live on Cox Sports Rhode Island, Cox Sports New Orleans, and ESPN3.com. A replay will be shown on Sunday July 11 on Universal Sports at midnight, Brighthouse (Orlando & Tampa) at 2:30pm, Comcast Sports Net New England at 7pm, and on Monday July 12 on Comcast Sports Mid Atlantic at 11:30am.Fans can also follow a live game day blog at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.