Launch Get Past Lizards Led by Powell, McArdle

The Florida Launch (4-2) got another win at home against a struggling New York Lizards (3-3) team Saturday night 11-8.

In what looks like a close affair on the scoreboard, the New York Lizards were very much never in the game. Up and down offense in the first left the game up for grabs early, but it was penalties by the Lizards that allowed Casey Powell and Jordan Hall to take the early 2-0 lead. Veteran Matt Striebel got off a crafty shot to beat Brett Queener to get New York on the board.

Quick whistle chances from Florida’s fast tempo offense saw goals from Kevin Cunningham and Kieran McArdle in what concluded a 4-1 first quarter.

Florida took a 6-3 lead into half, with goals from Casey Powell and Garrett Thul. New York struggled to get shots off most of the quarter, but when they did they converted. Jojo Marasco and longpole Kyle Hartzell tallied goals in the second half.

The Lizards looked sloppy in the third, taking bad penalties, failing to clear the ball, getting beat in transition, and the Launch attackman got better. McArdle scored three more times, Hall scored his second of the game and rookie Chris Lapierre scored his second goal of the season on a coast-to-coast goal.

Casey Powell and Boston Cannons Ryan Boyle continue to go back and fourth for all-time leader in points. Powell regained the lead with his 434th point.

Next up for the Launch will be visiting the Hounds in Charlotte on Saturday, June 14 at 7:00 pm. The game will be streamed on YouTube.