With two consecutive wins under their belt, the Launch are looking for a third this weekend as they take on the Atlanta Blaze at FAU Stadium Saturday, June 17. Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. The first 500 kids (12 and under) in the door will receive a Florida Launch fidget spinner compliments of Orthopaedic Surgery Associates.
In their first meeting of the season, the Launch look to take the lead in their all-time series record against the Blaze which currently sits at 1-1. Though the teams have only met twice in franchise history, the Launch are aiming to build off of momentum from two straight victories over the New York Lizards.
“The key for us is we need to play well for four quarters. Like I said to the guys after the game, we’re getting used to coming from behind. Well, eventually that’s going to end. So, we need to put ourselves in a position to play well and consistent for four quarters,” coach Tom Mariano told Lax Sports Network.
In the last matchup against the Blaze in 2016, Kieran McArdle took the lead for the Launch, scoring four goals in their 14-8 victory in Atlanta. McArdle is set to do the same this weekend with the help of newly added rookies Dylan Molloy and Ryan Drenner, who both scored four points (3G, 1A) in their MLL debuts last weekend.
Molloy is one of four Launch rookies to be added to the Team USA tryout pool for next year’s World Championship team. Joining him at tryouts will be fellow MLL newcomers Sergio Salcido, Nick Mariano, and Tim Muller as well as Launch veterans Connor Buczek, Liam Byrnes, Tucker Durkin and Kieran McArdle.
The Launch return to action next weekend when they kick off a two-game road trip in Charlotte. They return to FAU Stadium on July 15 to take on the Chesapeake Bayhawks. For tickets, call 561-923-9067 or visit floridalaunchlacrosse.com/tickets.
