Week 8 saw many impressive performances from the rookies. While Rob Pannell continues to make his mark on the MLL and their defenses, Rochester Rattler midfielder John Ranagan and Denver Outlaw attackman Eric Law continue to be huge additions to their teams as well. Charlotte Hound long pole Mason Poli also opened some eyeballs across the league for his performance this past week. Who else impressed this week? Take a look below and find out.
Charlotte Hounds
Offensively Mike Sawyer, Matt White, and Jake Tripucka all scored a goal for the Hounds in their overtime victory over the Bayhawks this past week. However, they were outdone by long pole defenseman Mason Poli who had his best game in his early MLL career. Poli had two goals and an assist for the Hounds and reminded everyone just how dangerous he is as a pole in the transition game.
Ohio Machine
In what was an abysmal performance by the Ohio Machine, Logan Schuss continues to be a lone bright spot for the team. He registered one of the five goals the Machine scores in the 19-5 loss ot the Outlaws this past week. Meanwhile, Chase Carraro is still in search of his first MLL point as he was shut out in his second game of the season.
Rochester Rattlers
John Ranagan and David Lawsone were both getting a healthy amount of playing time, especially Ranagan who continues to showcase why he was the third overall pick in this year’s MLL draft. The former Blue Jay midfielder rattled off four goals in the loss to the Nationals. Each goal gave fans, coaches and players a glimpse of what makes him so dangerous. He was able to get to any spot on the field due to his large frame and great athleticism. Lawson also contributed with a goal but needed seven shots to do so.
Boston Cannons
Cameron Flint had his first multi-goal effort on the season as he recorded two goals in the Boston Cannons victory this past week. On one particular occasion he beat his defender to the near post along the goal line and put one past Lizards goalie Drew Adams in traffic.
Will Manny continues to showcase his talents on the Boston Cannons. In their 16-12 win over the New York Lizards in Week 8, the attackman registered one goal and four assists for the Cannons. He showcased his ability to draw the double team and find the open man on the crease. For his efforts against the Lizards he was named Cascade Rookie of the week.
Meanwhile, on the defensive end Brendan Buckley and Scott Ratliff both are getting a healthy amount of playing time for the Cannons. Ratliff had four ground balls in the win and recorded his first goal of his MLL career.
Chesapeake Bayhawks
Jesse Bernhardt continues to see a lot of playing time for the Bayhawks and got back to being a presence in the ground ball game as he scooped up four more ground balls in the overtime loss to the Charlotte Hounds. His defense will need a little polishing as he was beat by a Hounds player after it looked like Bernhardt had him under wraps for most of the player’s attack to the cage.
Hamilton Nationals
Faceoff man Mike Poppleton rebounded from a poor performance against the Lizards and went 14-33 from the faceoff ‘X’ in the win over the Rattlers. He is now 34-86 from the ‘X’ and has been a welcomed addition to the team.
Tucker Durkin had a strong day in the Nationals 17-11 win over the Rochester Rattlers in Week 8. Durkin was tasked with shutting down the Rattlers Ned Crotty and did a great job in limiting the dangerous attackman to one goal on the afternoon. For his efforts he was named Warrior Defensive Player of the Week.
New York Lizards
Rob Pannell continues to impress at the professional level as he recorded his second straight five point effort for the Lizards. He had two goals and three assists again, as well as a highlight goal which saw him drive around the left side of the cage and shoot the ball over his right shoulder past Cannons goalie Jordan Burke.
Meanwhile, Syracuse standout JoJo Marasco continues to struggle at the professional level as he went scoreless for the third straight game. He also registered no shots in the loss to the Cannons.
Denver Outlaws
Although Eric Law saw his perfect shooting percentage fall, Law still had one of the more impressive games in Week 8. Law had three goals and two assists for the Outlaws in their blowout victory over the Machine. Law did go 3-for-5 on the day as well, and continues to be yet another weapon on an ever potent Outlaw offense.
Brian Megill, continues to provide a threat in the transition game for the Outlaws as he scooped up three ground balls on the afternoon and helped the Outlaw defense hold the Ohio Machine to a lowly five goals.
