Photo Credit: Di Miller
The Denver Outlaws (6-1) hosted the New York Lizards (3-4) on Saturday, June 14 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. There were 7,402 faithful fans who braved the hail and severe thunderstorms to see their Outlaws in action; the only MLL team in professional sports history to have an undefeated regular season, second only to the New England Patriots in 2007. Denver would be without Chris Bocklet #10, Attack who suffered an injury when he was cross-checked while taking a shot against the Charlotte Hounds on June 7. The final score was 16-11.
The Outlaws were ready to avenge their first regular season loss since June 9, 2012. They started out quickly when Drew Snider #23, Midfield would score at 1:13 of the first quarter, assisted by Eric Law #15, Attack. Denver would score three more times in the first. Law would score two of his three goals in the game; and Jeremy Sieverts #20, Midfield would score as well. The Outlaws defense was on the mark, and did not allow the Lizards to score in the first putting Denver up 4-0 at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter started off with New York scoring. Rob Pannell #3, Attack would hit net at 1:36. But Denver quickly returned with a two-point goal by Sieverts who is still leading the MLL with five. Less than two minutes later Lizards Steve DeNapoli #70, Midfield would score. It took almost five minutes before the next goal, when former Outlaws player Max Siebald #42, Midfield would score his first of two goals in the game. Only 20 seconds later, Denver would score again. Curtis Dickson #17, Attack would score his first of four goals in the game; followed by Snider with only 50 seconds left in the half. Score at the half Denver 8, New York 3.
The Outlaws would be the first to score in the third, but it wasn’t until 5:37 on the clock when Cameron Flint #18, Midfield put it between the pipes. The next team to hit net would be the Lizards, when Pannell would again score, followed by Tommy Palasek #84, Attack with a PPG. At 10:52 on the clock, Denver would start their scoring barrage. John Grant Jr. #24, Attack would score with an assist to Dickson. But Dickson wasn’t done yet. He would go on an amazing back-to-back-to-back scoring spree, all unassisted goals giving him a hat-trick. Cameron Holding #9, Midfield would score his first goal as an Outlaw with three seconds left in the quarter. The score was 14-6 in favor of the Outlaws.
In the fourth quarter, Snider would get his third goal of the game giving him a hat-trick. Less than two minutes later Law would also score (PPG), making him the third Outlaws player to put up a hat-trick, and the last goal Denver would score in the game. The Lizards would score the final six goals. JoJo Marasco #1, Midfield would score twice, one PPG; Kyle Hartzell #81, Defense would score; Siebald would get his second goal of the game; and Pannell would score the final two goals of the game at 14:15 and 14:43 giving him a hat-trick.
It’s obvious that Denver has an excellent squad. Their recent acquisition of Curtis Dickson has paid off. In just two games with the Outlaws, he has scored eight goals; Cameron Holding had his first start as an Outlaw, and already has one goal and an assist; Eric Law is tied for first in the league with 20 goals, and tied for second in points with 31; and Jesse Schwartzman is still number one in the league with a .892 GAA.
Team Match-Ups:
Scoring Leaders
Outlaws Curtis Dickson—4 G (3 unassisted), 3 A
Outlaws Eric Law—3 G, 3 A
Outlaws Drew Snider—3 G
Lizards Rob Pannell—4 G, 2 A
Lizards Max Siebald—2 G
Goalies
Outlaws Jesse Schwartzman—49 minutes, 21 SOG, 15 saves, 6 GA, .714 SPCT
Outlaws Charlie Cipriano—11 minutes, 6 SOG, 1 save, 5 GA, .166 SPCT
Lizards Drew Adams—45 minutes, 20 SOG, 7 saves, 13 GA (one 2-pt), .350 SPCT
Lizards Sean Brady—15 minutes, 4 SOG, 2 saves, 2 GA, .500 SPCT
Game Stats
Outlaws—24 SOG, 20 SOFF, 21 GB, FO 13-29, PPA 1-3
Lizards—27 SOG, 20 SOFF, 30 GB, FO 16-29, PPA 3-7
Season Statistics after seven games
Outlaws—299 shots, .304 SPCT, 186 SOG, .622 SOGPCT, 188 GB, 103-193 FOW, .534 FOPCT
Lizards—298 shots, .265 SPCT, 178 SOG, .597 SOGPCT, 204 GB, 113-189 FOW, .598 FOPCT
Game MVP—Outlaws, Curtis Dickson
Denver has again shown the league why they are such a strong team. The Outlaws organization has made key acquisitions; the coaching staff is doing everything right; and the players are coming together as a team.
Next Saturday, June 21, Denver will host the Chesapeake Bayhawks (2-5) for Paws at the Park Night. Denver is on the hunt for the championship this season, and they looking to start a new winning streak.