The Denver Outlaws (10-0) look to remain unbeaten as they travel to Rochester to close out the regular-season series against the Rattlers (4-6) July 20.
Heading into the regular-season home stretch out of the All-Star break, Denver has a firm grip on the overall No. 1 spot in Major League Lacrosse for Championship weekend, while Rochester will need to win all of its remaining games to have a long shot at making the playoffs.
“We’re still experimenting a little bit in trying to find out what our best combination is,” Head Coach Jim Stagnitta said. “At the same time, we’re trying to give our guys the opportunity to kind of be healthy and play our best lacrosse down the stretch.”
The Outlaws handed the Rattlers a thrashing in their first matchup of the season May 18. Led by All-Star attackman Chris Bocklet’s six-goal, sock-trick performance, Denver left Rochester in the dust as a quick start helped propel them to a 9-2 halftime lead. While the game was out of reach for the Rattlers after the first two quarters, the Outlaws ensured there would be no comeback by netting 11 second-half goals and only allowing four to claim their fourth consecutive victory 20-7.
“I haven’t even hear anyone mention the fact that we haven’t lost yet, honestly,” Stagnitta said. “What’s important is that you make it to Final Four weekend and that you win the last game you play in.”
While Denver has had success recently versus the Rattlers, a win on June 20 would tie the all-time series between the two teams at 4-4. Rochester has won as many games as they have lost at home this year, with a 3-3 home record, while the Outlaws are a perfect 4-0 on the road.
“While there’s no such thing as us not having to travel, I think it’s nice that the other team has to deal with some of the issues that you deal with when you travel,” Stagnitta said.”
The Rattlers are led by attackman Ned Crotty and midfielder Matt Striebel on offense with 24 and 22 points this year, respectively. The Denver defense absolutely smothered the Rochester offense in their first meeting, as defender and All-Star Lee Zink held their lead scorer Crotty to zero points and one off-goal shot. Striebel wasn’t able to get anything going in the Mile High City either, as he was able to tally an assist for a single point.
The Outlaws will be well rested after the All-Star break and hot on the trail of their record-setting 11th straight victory – 17th consecutive regular-season win. The Rattlers will do their best to defend their home turf, however their mediocre home record and hosting the hottest team in the league may have Rochester looking ahead to next season.
Denver and Rochester face off at 1 p.m. EST at Sahlen Stadium in Rochester, NY.
