Two games will be played across Major League Lacrosse this Fourth of July, as the Denver Outlaws host the Boston Cannons in their annual Independence Day match-up. The defending 2014 champions are 6-3 all time on Independence Day, and this year will mark the fourth time the Outlaws have welcomed Boston to take-part in the game.
Boston is the only team to have played in the annual game more than once, and is undefeated in their previous three attempts. Will Manny and the Cannons look to maintain second place, and keep Denver fighting for contention of the final playoff spot. The Outlaws sit a 5-5 on the season, and are currently tied for fourth with the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Denver looks for another record-setting crowd, as the annual game averages 24,369 fans each year, including the league leading 31,019 in 2013 versus New York.
No Rabil, No Problem
After the biggest trade in Major League Lacrosse history, in which Boston traded Paul Rabil, the Cannons were left with many questions of what direction the team was headed. After a disappointing 2014 campaign, Boston was faced with some tough organizational decisions.
Fast forward to this weekend; the Cannons have one game remaining at Gillette Stadium for the 2015 season, Will Manny is in the midst of his best season in the league, and has proved himself as one the core players moving forward, while Max Seibald, whom was acquired during the Rabil trade, has stepped up to be a vital part of the Cannons playoff push.
Fighting for a Playoff Spot
Denver comes into the game sitting just inside the playoff bubble. Tied with Chesapeake, each game remaining is a must win to keep Denver’s repeat hopes alive. This season is a race to the finish in the MLL, as the Cannons sit at second place along with Ohio. New York is the runaway top seed with a 9-2 record, and a heavy favorite to hoist the trophy August 8th in Georgia.
