MLL: Shanny Returns; Machine Stays Alive
from press release
Box Score: Chicago 18, Long Island 11
CHICAGO -- Chicago kept its playoff hopes alive
after an impressive 18-11 victory over Washington. The Machine took
control early in the game and never let up against a struggling
Bayhawks squad. Bud Light MVP Mike Gabel turned in his best
performance of the year with 23 saves on 34 shots.
Both teams started slow in the first quarter, scoring a combined
three goals. After Washington's Kevin Huntley (2g) score one and a
half minutes into the game, Chicago responded with two goals from
Brendan Loftus (3g) and Brendan Cannon (3g, 2a). After one period
the Machine led 2-1.
Chicago's Doug Shanahan (4g, 1a), acquired from Long Island's
practice squad in light of Anthony Kelly's injury, jumpstarted a
big second quarter for the Machine by scoring seven seconds into
the quarter. After goals from Kevin Leveille (2g), Mark Kovler (1g,
1a), and Chazz Woodson (2g), Chicago seized control of the match
for the remainder of the night. Washington's Ben Hunt (1g), Kyle
Dixon (1g), and Ben Rubeor (1g) were the only ones to answer
Chicago, but could not keep the Bayhawks within range of their
opponents.
Entering halftime, Chicago extended its lead to six goals with a
score of 10-4.
Expecting a strong push from Washington, Chicago tallied the first
goal of the second half, compliments of Kevin Leveille. But after
two technical fouls on Machine defenders, Washington converted on
two power play attempts, both coming from Andrew Combs (3g, 2a).
Matt Abbott (2g, 1a) also scored, bringing the Bayhawks to within
four goals.
Chicago simply had too much firepower, however, and answered with
three more goals from Shanahan, M. Leveille, and Terry Kimener (1g,
1a). After three periods, the Machine extended their lead back to
six goals with a score of 14-8.
The fourth quarter proved to be almost an exact replay of the
third quarter, with the Machine and Bayhawks exchanging three goals
before Cannon was able to put hammer the final nail in Washington's
coffin.
The game's MVP, Mike Gabel made 11 saves in the first half and
finished with 12 for the second half. His outstanding performance
between the pipes kept Chicago out of trouble and eliminated any
hopes of a Bayhawks comeback.
Washington's keeper, Chris Garrity, struggled the entire night,
making only 15 saves on 33 shots.
Despite another strong performance from Washington's faceoff man
Alex Smith (20-of-33), the Bayhawks still had a lot of trouble
converting their possessions into goals. Washington also had five
power play opportunities and could only turn in two goals, hardly
enough to make any comeback against the Machine.
Only seven players from Washington were able to score, highlighted
by Combs' hat trick. Abbott and Huntley each netted two goals,
while Glading, Dixon, Hunt, and Rubeor could only muster up a goal
each.
Chicago's 18 goals came from nine different players, including hat
tricks from Loftus, Cannon, and, most noticeably, Shanahan.
Shanahan played only one game with the Lizards this season, and,
after Anthony Kelly's season-ending injury in Boston, was acquired
by his old team, Chicago.
Shanahan is one of the league's top faceoff men, and after
tonight, will rank fourth all-time for career faceoff wins with
772. In his first game back in Chi-town, Doug scored four goals and
added one assist.
As the game clock ran to zero, the Machine kept its playoff hopes
alive, moving their record to 3-7. If Chicago can win out the rest
of their season, it will be able to possibly reach this year's
playoffs. With only two games left, the Machine will travel back to
Annapolis to finish up its season series. Faceoff is scheduled for
7 p.m. Eastern.
With the loss, Washington is now tied with Chicago at 3-7. Both
teams can still qualify for the playoffs.
The New Balance Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend is Aug.
22-23 at Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
