The second half of the season got off to a surprising start as the Florida Launch upset the New York Lizards to extend the Lizards’ losing streak to three games. Meanwhile, the Denver Outlaws are the hottest team in the league with a three game winning streak to climb right back into playoff contention. As the season heads into its final three weeks, six teams are separated by 2.5 games for FIRST PLACE. With that in mind, how did the rankings change after a wild Week 12? Take a look for yourself below:
Week 11 MLL Top 9
1- Chesapeake (7-4)- The Bayhawks make the climb all the way to the top of the rankings this week after a 14-13 win over the Florida Launch in Week 12. This week, the young guns helped the Bayhawks to a victory as midfielder Myles Jones had three points, defenseman James Carlson had three points and midfielder Matt Donovan had four points. They are averaging 15.6 goals per game during their three game win streak and allowing 13.3 goals per game. The Bayhawks seem to be revitalized by the acquisition of Myles Jones and could be in good position for yet another MLL championship.
2- Rochester (6-4)- The Rattlers jump up to No. 2 this week after getting back on the winning track in a 18-14 victory over the Charlotte Hounds. Their defense returned to form as they allowed 14 goals and Ned Crotty exploded on offense with an eight point effort in the win. The key for the offense has been Jeremy Boltus. He had his third five point effort this season in the victory. When Boltus has four or more points, the Rattlers are 4-0. When he has less than that, the Rattlers are 1-4.
3- Charlotte (6-4)- The Hounds dropped a tough one to the Rattlers 18-14 and fall back into third place in the MLL standings as well as this week’s rankings. Three games remain for the Hounds, including two games against a resurgent Denver Outlaws team that is riding a three game winning streak. The offense continues to be built on huge performances by one player which can be dangerous and which is why they dropped two spots. Joey Sankey continues to play unbelievably but the rest of the offense needs to be more consistent on a game-to-game basis going forward.
4- Ohio (7-5)- The Machine snapped their three game losing streak with a big win over the Boston Cannons. The offense got back on track with seven players recording two or more points in the victory and the defense returned to form. With two games remaining, the Machine will have a great shot at making the playoffs as they face the Atlanta Blaze and New York Lizards to finish the year. Both those teams are on a downward trend lately. This week Ohio gets a week off to rest before getting ready for a playoff run.
5- New York (6-4)- The Lizards have really hit a rough patch lately as they ride a three game losing streak heading into Week 13 and are 1-3 over the past four weeks. The main reason for their struggles is the defense that was so strong last year during its title run, has been dreadful all year. Maybe the addition of Kyle Sweeney on defense will help but it has been the Achilles heel all season long. Despite the struggles, they have four games remaining and are only a half game out of first place. In Week 13, they will have their rivalry game against the Rattlers in a game with huge playoff implications.
6- Denver (5-6)- The Outlaws once looked dead in the water this season but a three game winning streak has seen them climb right back into playoff contention. They are the hottest team in the league after an 18-11 win over the Blaze in Week 12. It will be tough as they are two games back with three games remaining against the Hounds and Rattlers. They will a game against the Rattlers sandwiched in between two games against the Hounds. During the winning streak, the Outlaws’ offense has been steady all season but the defense has found its groove and been the key to their late season surge.
7- Boston (6-6)-Boston continues its up and down season as they dropped they Week 12 contest to the Ohio Machine to fall back to .500. The Cannons now have only two more games to get into the playoffs and currently sit in sixth place in the standings. They could get some help this week as they are off in Week 13. The Cannons will gear up for a huge game two weeks against the Lizards which could determine whether or not the Cannons will have a shot at the playoffs.
8- Atlanta (3-7)- After blowing out the Denver Outlaws earlier in the year, the Blaze were not able to sweep the season series as the Outlaws got revenge in an 18-11 victory in week 12. With four games remaining, the Blaze have opportunities to climb into playoff contention but they will need a lot of help as Atlanta has two games this weekend. They face the No. 1 team in the standings in the Chesapeake Bayhawks on Thursday and then play the last place Florida Launch on Saturday. Both games will be a battle, especially the Launch as they played two one goal games in Week 12.
9- Florida (2-8)- Florida split its two games in Week 12 as they upset the New York Lizards in a one goal game to start the second half of the season and then dropped another one goal game to the Chesapeake Bayhawks. They remain in the last spot of the rankings as they have the worst record in the league but they could climb themselves out of the last spot with a victory over the Atlanta Blaze this weekend.
