This is it, the last roundup of the 2012 regular MLL season. The Rochester Rattlers will be traveling to battle the Charlotte Hounds. This game is very important for both teams as the season comes to a close.
For Charlotte, it means a number of things. If they go out victorious, it gives fans and the organization hope for next year. However, should they fall, it would damper the hopeful thoughts of the fans about 2013. Don’t get me wrong, Charlotte has a great fan base, but going out on a high note would be the best thing for the Hounds.
This is the biggest game for the Rattlers of 2012. If they win, they have a shot at the post-season, but if they lose, it’s game over. Rochester has worked hard this season to get where they are. Unfortunately, some games didn’t go their way, but you have to roll with the punches.
Rattlers fans will also be cheering for the Hamilton Nationals, who play the Long Island Lizards. Coach Soudan and the Rattlers are only a game behind Long Island and can make the playoffs with a win and a Lizards loss. The only thing on the mind of Rochester players, coaches and fans is the playoffs.
As for the game itself, it will be fought until the final whistle blows. Both teams are looking to win, Charlotte to earn loads of respect and Rochester for a chance at the playoffs. The Hounds will have to watch how they transition. It’s been their achilles heel all season. Their offense will have to put up big numbers on the statistics sheet, including ground balls and possession time.
Rochester will lose this game by making the silly mistakes. Such as, lazy passes, throwing away the ball and not hustling. With a team like the Hounds, they are going to be dangerous because it is the last game of the season. They’re playing in front of the home crowd and will be on another level. The Rattlers will need to strike early and often to silence the crowd.
Ned Crotty cannot be quiet like he was against the Bayhawks. Kevin Leveille needs to keep playing the way he is and Steven Boyle will have to be a threat as well. Joel White, Roy Lang, Steve DeNapoli, Brad Ross and Kevin Drew will be busy guarding some of the best middies in the MLL. Matt Striebel has to score a two pointer to set the tone. Rob Rotanz and Jordan MacIntosh need to be dominant and doge from up top. Rotanz is making himself known as a dodger and a great on the run shooter, which he will need to use tonight. Tom Montelli, John Lade and Mike Manley will need to keep their cool and play as a team. When they try to do too much, that’s how they get beat. John Galloway will need to play as John Galloway.
A big blow to Charlotte the other week after Jeremy Boltus went down with a knee injury. However, as we saw in the Chesapeake game, they have the players to come out swinging. Matt Danowski will have to use his veteran leadership to lead the Hounds on offense. Billy Bitter and Brian Carroll will have to complement each other as well as Matt and the midfielders.
Stephen Berger, Kevin Kamiski and Jovan Miller need to score more goals than they did last week. They’re going up against a very strong Rochester defense, so goals will not come easy. Possessions will be vital and precious. The second line of midfielders, Joe Vitale, Kyle Wimer and Josh Amidon are all stepping up going to have good careers in the MLL. They will have to mirror the first line. Defensive midfielders Scott LaRue and Gerry Reilly will be busy with Rotanz and MacIntosh, while Ridgway will most likely take on Striebel.
Goalie Adam Ghitelman will have a lot of shots and has to stand on his head. Joe Cinosky, Brett Schmidt and Ryan Flanagan will need to give Adam an easy game by forcing their assignments to take bad shots. Faceoff’s will be crucial for both teams. Win the faceoff X, win the game. Jerry Ragonese will be going up against either Timmy Fallon or the duo of Bobby Dattilo and Craig Bunker.
Look for the Hounds to seek some revenge after the first meeting when the Rattlers took home the dominating 14-5 win. This will be a fight to the finish. Game time is set for 7 p.m. EST at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Catch it live on ESPN3.
