The Denver Outlaws travel to Charlotte April 27 to take on the Hounds in a re- match of last year’s season-opener to kick off the 2013 Major League Lacrosse season which starts with three-straight road games for Denver.
The Outlaws are 5-2 all-time in season openers and have an unbeaten 2-0 record versus the Hounds, after outscoring them 42-19 in two games last season. The explosive offense that led to the best record in in the MLL last season is ready to pick up where it left off, and may be more dangerous this time around after some offseason moves.
Familiar faces will debut in their new uniform, as Denver acquired attackman Jeremy Boltus during the offseason from Charlotte in exchange for All-Star midfielder Peet Pollion, in a move that adds a physical presence to their attack. At six-foot-one- inch Boltus brings size to the front and adds another goal scorer to an already potent offense, while also being able to set up other key scorers on the attack.
“We believe that Jeremy Boltus gives us a right-handed attackman with outstanding ability to feed the ball, and at the same time have the ability to get to the goal,” General Manager Tony Seaman said. “We hope he will be a ‘point guard’ on the attack for us this season.”
Boltus was the Rookie of the Year in 2011, and is coming off back-to-back 30 point seasons with the Hounds. Also making his Outlaws debut is veteran attackman Zach Greer, a versatile swingman that is expected to have an immediate impact after attackman Mark Matthews was traded to the New York Lizards.
“Zack Greer is not only expected to play, but to help us contend for the Steinfeld Cup. He is an outstanding lacrosse player that has had tremendous success in this league,” said Seaman. “He gives us a player that can score goals both at the midfield and attack positions.”
Head Coach Jim Stagnitta added, “He (Zack Greer) was in the plan when we moved Mark (Matthews).”
After holding opponents to an average of 12 goals per game in 2012, the Outlaws are bringing back the same defensive core that helped give them the best record in the MLL last year. Anchoring the defense is defender Lee Zink who made his sixth All-Star appearance last season. Five-time All-Star goalie Jesse Schwartzman returns for his seventh season in net for the Outlaws, after finishing second in the MLL in Goals Against Average last season.
Denver looks to continue their success against Charlotte to kick-off the 2013 season, as they look to take the league by storm once again this year. The game will be aired live on ESPN3.com, and starts at 7 p.m. EST.
