Photo Credit: Di Miller
The Denver Outlaws (5-0) head to American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC on June 7th to face the Charlotte Hounds (1-4) for the second time in nine days. Last week in Denver, the Outlaws showed fans from near and far why they are still undefeated in the regular season, and looking for their 26th consecutive win. If they can do this, they will be tied for second place with the 1916 MLB New York Giants for Regular-Season win streaks in professional sports history. There isn’t a team in the league who doesn’t want to be the “one” to break this amazing streak. Charlotte is desperate for a win, has the talent, but can they put it together and do what it takes to beat Denver?
In 2013, the Outlaws set multiple records, not only franchise wise, but in the MLL as well. Critics say Denver may be on an unbelievable streak, but have yet to win a championship. In my interviews with Eric Law #15 Attack; Drew Snider #23 Midfield; and Chris O’Dougherty #4 Defense, they have all keyed in on the same thing: Denver has been on an unimaginable ride since the summer of 2012, but their ultimate goal is to make it past the first round of the playoffs, and bring home the championship for Outlaws fans.
Last weekend when the Hounds faced the Outlaws at Sports Authority Field at Mile-High, fans watched their team fall behind late in the game, but as always Denver did what they have continued to do, they tightened up the defense, and the offense came to life. The Bocklet brothers, Matt #7 Defense, would tie the game in the fourth quarter on an amazing break-away; while Chris #10 Attack, only 52 seconds later would hit net again to give the Outlaws the lead. John Grant Jr. would score the final goal of the game giving the Outlaws the win 13-11.
The Hounds have a tough game ahead of them. Denver has an arsenal of strong shooters; opponents don’t know who will be the one to take the shot on goal; they move the ball around well; and their close defense is one of the best in the MLL. Jesse Schwartzman #19, being the amazing goalie he is, as well as a catalyst for the team, will again show why he was named the 2013 Warrior Goalie of the Year. Anthony Kelly #47, Midfield/Faceoff, has been dominant in the faceoff position, and seems to get stronger with every game.
Charlotte will have to control players like Eric Law who has been stellar, leading the Outlaws with 15 goals; John Grant Jr. #24, Attack who leads the Outlaws with 10 assists; Jeremy Sieverts #20, Midfield who is third in points with 15, one of the best two-point shooters around, and still leading the league with three two-point goals; and Chris Bocklet who is tied with Sieverts at nine goals. They also can’t overlook the abilities of Drew Snider; Cameron Flint #18, Midfield; and rookie Midfielders Jeremy Noble #35, and Colin Dunster #26.
What does Denver need to do to keep their streak alive? The defense needs to continue to protect the net; keep an eye on John Haus #26, Midfield; and Mike Sawyer #4, Attack/Midfield who both scored twice in last week’s game; and Matt Danowski #40, Attack who was the second of two Hounds players to score a two-point goal which gave them the lead half-way through the fourth quarter. The Outlaws need to control the ball; use the shot-clock to their advantage; continue to win faceoffs; capitalize on man-up situations; and not allow the Hounds any power-play opportunities.
The Denver Outlaws have an amazing squad; they gel as a team; and they know how to win games. The Charlotte Hounds are ready for a win, but unless they can control the “total package” that the Outlaws bring to the field, I don’t see them coming away with the victory.
