The Florida Launch took off yesterday with an 11-8 win over the Charlotte Hounds for their first win of the season, and the first win in the young franchise’s history. Led by veterans Casey Powell and Kevin Crowley, the Launch found a way to take the victory.
“It is a great feeling getting the first win in Launch history,” head coach Stan Ross told us. “It is an exciting time in Florida and getting the first win for the players, the organization and the fans is huge. Hopefully, it is the first of many.”
Mario Ventiquattro echoed his sentiments, saying, “Our team is continuing to build as a unit. The more we play as a team the more we achieve. Getting the first ‘W’ is definitely going to boost our confidence. We have a solid squad and we’re all bought into the system.”
The Launch are a young team littered with veterans, but they also host players such as Tucker Durkin and Garrett Thul, who have also impressed in their second professional seasons.
“We have had many players play well the past two games,” Ross said. “I think it goes without saying that the best person on the field the last two games has been Casey Powell. On the defensive end you have to look at Tucker Durkin and Brett Queener—they have played well in both games. This last game we had some new faces, like Thul, who got player of the game for scoring three goals.”
Leading the way for the Launch is Powell, who lives in Florida and was a natural fit for their roster as soon as the team was announced. Powell leads the team with 11 points, five of which are goals, in the first two games of the season.
“Casey is the ultimate lacrosse player and still after being named ALL everything and winning Championships at every level, he is still willing to be coached,” Ross told us. “Now we just have to put him and his teammates in the best positions to be successful.”
“Obviously stepping on the field with the Michael Jordan of lacrosse (Casey Powell) elevates my game,” Mario Ventiquattro told us. “Playing with this talented group makes the game more fun. The veterans are all very helpful.”
The Launch left Hamilton, Ontario last season to move to Boca Raton, and with their move several players left as well, such as Brodie Merrill, Cody Jamieson on just the practice roster and Jordan Hall has yet to play this season. However, with the players they have, the Launch feel like they can contend in this league.
“We just focus on who we are playing each week,” says Ventiquattro. “We know that every team is great in this league. Of course we take pride in this victory, Charlotte has a solid team but we need to look past this game and focus on next week’s opponent.”
Ross agreed, saying there is plenty of room for improvement.
“We still have a lot to improve on this year. There are still players who are just returning from indoor and college, and we are working on coming together as a team. Every aspect of our game needs work, but I am confident we have the talent and desire to improve.”
Maybe the most important thing in the MLL is fan response, and Ross says so far the fans have been great, and will just help the franchise grow.
“The fans have extremely enthusiastic, and I think it will get more popular as we start winning more games. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America, and hopefully South Florida will take advantage of getting to see the highest level of the sport right in their own backyard.”
Florida will host the Ohio Machine this weekend in their third straight home game before they travel to Chesapeake.
