Game Preview: Bayhawks @ Hounds

By Billy Zukauskas | 7/5/12 12:00 AM

Saturday, July 7 7 p.m. ET | American Legion Memorial Stadium | Charlotte, NC

Watch & Follow: TV: CSN Mid Atlantic, Verizon, TWC Wisconsin, Brighthouse, Web: ESPN3, Live Blog

The Big Picture: The Chesapeake Bayhawks will travel to Charlotte this weekend to face the Hounds on Saturday July 7. The opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET. The Bayhawks boast the league’s best record at 7-1 with that one loss occuring on May 12^th to the Rochester Rattlers. They look to extend their winning streak to 6 straight games. The Hounds are looking for their 3^rd win of season and second in a row after beating the Ohio Machine 17-16 last week. The last time these two teams met, Chesapeake came out on top with a 15-7 victory.

The Charlotte Hounds: The Hounds need to string a few wins together late in the season if they want to make their first ever post-season. The Hamilton and Long Island losses a few weeks ago were decided by just one goal. In addition, their win last week was only by one goal. The Hounds have to get their dynamic offense on point this week if they want to get another win. The Hounds could make a late-season push to make the 2012 season a very interesting one.

Players to Watch: Coming off his first MLL All-Star appearance and deservedly so, Adam Ghitleman has had a great season so far. He is one of only two other goalies who have played in over eight games this season. He has 93 saves on the season and he is going to need a lot against the potent Chesapeake offense if the Hounds want to win. Justin Turri was the Hounds' first pick (9th overall) of the 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft, and he should become a larger part of the Charlotte midfield unit on offense. The team's leader in points Matt Danowski is poised for another multi-point game.

The Chesapeake Bayhawks: The multi-talented and balanced Bayhawk team already looks like a championship contender. With six games remaining the potential of making the playoffs is high. Some of the other teams that will not make the post-season are looking to upset Chesapeake and hurt their playoff chances.

Players to Watch: The 2-point machine Kyle Dixon has been almost unstoppable from long range and is always a threat. Once he crosses the midline he can score and he is third in the league in points. Another midfielder that has career leading stats is Michael Kimmel who has 22 points at the All-Star break. He is a diverse scorer and will look for more as the Bayhawks push to remain at the top of the league.

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Next Match-Up: The Charlotte Hounds travel to Denver to play the Outlaws. The Chesapeake Bayhawks will travel to Rochester to play the Rattlers. Both games are on Saturday July 14^th at 7 P.M. ET