After securing the top spot in Major League Lacrosse, the Outlaws (6-0) face another tough obstacle to remain undefeated. Denver will hit the road to face the Chesapeake Bayhawks (4-2) for the first time since the 2012 MLL championship game.
“Last time we played them, they completely took us apart,” Head Coach Jim Stagnitta said. “We were outgunned, outmanned and outplayed.”
The Outlaws lost to the Bayhawks 16-6 in the championship game last season, and have since built a team that will be able to hang with Chesapeake.
“A lot of things we’ve tried to do as a team in the offseason – you have to shoot for the team to beat,” Stagnitta said about the Denver moves in the offseason. “Some of the things we’ve tried to do while building a team were to try to compete better with the Bayhawks.”
After splitting the season series last season and meeting the Bayhawks in the playoffs, the Outlaws look to use that experience as an advantage. Chesapeake’s offense is led by attackman Ben Rubeor who, in combination with midfielder Steven Brooks, has given Denver trouble in the past.
“Rubeor really hurt us last year in the playoffs,” Stagnitta said. “We will focus on trying to contain Ben (Rubeor), and certainly Brooks has always been a handful for us. We have to defend the two better than we have.”
While the Outlaws will have their hands full containing Chesapeake, they will also be looking to their rookies and veterans alike for the added boost. Denver’s potent offense is led by 2012 MVP attackman Brendan Mundorf, however it was rookie attackman Eric Law who made a lasting impression last week in his MLL debut versus Hamilton. After being inserted into the starting lineup for the second half, Law tallied four third-quarter goals including his first MLL goal 18 seconds into the half.
“We started Eric (Law) in the second half, and he finished a coupe in a row, gave us that separation again, and we were able to keep that lead,” Stagnitta said about the rookie’s performance. “For a guy in his first game, both him and Brian (Megill) were terrific tonight.”
Also making his debut versus Hamilton was defensive midfielder Brian Megill. As a standout at Syracuse University Megill was an integral part of a championship run that fell short in the waning minutes of the 2013 NCAA season for the Orange.
“He is somebody – both he and Law stepping on the field at this level – both are in great shape finishing their (NCAA) seasons,” Stagnitta said about the rookies. “Their skills are sharp, but they both performed extremely well. We are pretty excited.”
Goalie Jesse Schwartzman left the game versus Hamilton last week with an injury in the third quarter, but Stagnitta said he expects Schwartzman to play. However, if Schwartzman isn’t ready to go in Chesapeak the Outlaws feel confident in back up goalie Charlie Cipriano, who finished last weeks win.
“Our expectations are that Jesse (Schwartzman) will be in the goal,” Stagnitta said. “But, we have a long season. Honestly, our other goalie ‘Cip (Cipriano) has been terrific… We are very comfortable with him and it was a nice opportunity for him, and he played very well.”
The Outlaws take on Chesapeake in a championship rematch at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 4 p.m EST June 15.
