In the second and final game of their Central Florida tour, the Florida Launch return to Spec Martin Stadium this Saturday, April 29 in DeLand, Fla. to take on the Rochester Rattlers. The game will be broadcasted live on Lax Sports Network. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m.
Going into Saturday, the Launch aim to improve their all-time series record against the Rattlers, who currently lead 4-1. Since last week’s 18-17 overtime loss to Boston, Florida has made two new additions to their roster—attackman Eric DeJohn and midfielder Matt Garziano—in hopes of continuing to rebuild and change the pace for the Launch this season.
“This didn’t start last week,” said Mariano, “this started in December when I took the job. We’ve all been working on setting a new standard, a new tempo, holding ourselves accountable and doing things the right way.”
After scoring 17 goals in the season opener against Boston (five goals higher than last year’s average), the Launch enter the matchup between Rochester with optimism. One player set to have an impact in Saturday’s game is faceoff specialist Will Gural, who in his MLL debut last week, scored two goals, went 13 for 27 on faceoffs, and scooped seven ground balls.
“I think Will’s looking. I think he’d like to have a couple plays back, and make a few more plays here and there. I think that’s kind of the theme for us,” said Mariano.
After the Rattlers, the Launch return to FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla. on May 13 when they take on the defending league champions, the Denver Outlaws. The game is a “Pink Out” in partnership with American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink Challenge. For tickets, call 561-923-9067 or visit floridalaunchlacrosse.com/tickets today.
