CHICAGO LOSES HOME OPENER, 14-16

05/29/2009 6:41 PM
Brendan Loftus takes a hit.
By Lindsay Gaesser

In the first professional lacrosse game to be held at Chicago’s historic Soldier Field, the Chicago Machine lost 14-16 to the Boston Cannons ­­­in a down-to-the-wire contest.   
 
The Machine did not hesitate to open up scoring in their first home game. Only 40 seconds into the game, Mike Leveille netted the first goal of the game off of an assist from older brother, Kevin Leveille. However, Bud Light Game MVP, Paul Rabil of the Cannons, quickly answered back with two unassisted goals of his own, one of which was a two-pointer. 
 
After a holding penalty on Boston, Chicago’s Matt Striebel scored an unassisted goal just two seconds into the powerplay, bringing the Machine within one. A series of back-and-forth goals from both teams brought the first quarter to a close; Cannons led the Machine 5-3. 
 
To begin the second quarter, Boston’s Greg Downing netted a powerplay goal, assisted by Rabil. After a three minute scoring lull, Kevin Leveille broke the silence with his first goal of the game, keeping the Machine within two. Soon to follow were two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls called on Chicago’s Jarett Park and Boston’s Downing. Things were beginning to heat up in this high stakes game. After a scoring draught, Sean Morris dished a pass to Matt Alrich, who netted the final goal of the penalty-ridden quarter, giving the Cannons a 7-4 lead at halftime. 
Chazz Woodson drives through a double team.
After nerves and tempers simmered in the locker rooms, both teams returned to the field determined to win. Boston’s Kyle Sweeney notched the first goal of the second half at 2:21, followed by an unassisted Chicago goal from Bill McGlone. Unfortunately for the Machine, the Cannons shifted into a higher gear, scoring three unanswered goals. Morris assisted Kevin Cassese to initiate the Cannons’ thrust ahead, followed by goals from Alrich and Rabil. 
 
Interrupting the scoring run, Steven Brooks netted a powerplay goal for Chicago off of an assist from Striebel. However, the run would continue as the Cannons scored three more goals to end the third quarter. 
 
Not giving up yet, the Machine came out like gangbusters in the fourth quarter with three unanswered goals of its own. McGlone, Brooks, and Chazz Woodson led the charge, Brooks with a crucial two-point goal. The score was now 14-10, Cannons. 
 
Chris Eck and Rabil immediately responded with two unassisted goals to cushion Boston’s lead, but Chicago powered ahead full throttle, going on a four-goal run. Fresh from the MLL Collegiate Draft, former Syracuse attacker Kenny Nims initiated the Machine’s final push. Nims notched his first career goal as a professional lacrosse player off of an assist from Kevin Leveille. Soon to follow were goals from Brooks and the Leveille brothers. Despite this surge, there was not enough time for Chicago to turn the game around, and the Cannons held on for the win. 
 
Leading the Machine were Brooks (3 G, 1 2-pt G/1 A), Striebel (1 G/3 A), Mike Leveille (3 G/1 A), and Kevin Leveille (2 G/2A). Goalie, Mike Gabel, played the entire game for the Machine and had 12 saves on 27 shots on goal. 
 
With six points, Rabil (4 G, 1 2-pt G/1 A) led the Cannons. His supporting cast included Ryan Boyle (2 G/3 A), Alrich (4 G), and Morris (1 G/3 A). In goal for Boston was Mike Levin, who tallied 15 saves on 28 shots on goal. 
 
The Machine will host the Denver Outlaws at Toyota Park on Sunday, June 7th at 3:00 PM ET.
 
The Cannons head back to the east coast to play the Long Island Lizards at Shuart Stadium on Friday, June 5th at 7:00 PM ET.     
 
Chicago and Boston will face each other for a rematch in Beantown at Harvard Stadium on Saturday, June 13th at 7:00 PM. 
 
 
 

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