With a perfect season now out of the question, the New York Lizards will look to avoid falling to another team and complete the season series sweep as they visit the Florida Launch this week. The Lizards (8-1) and Launch (1-8) sit on opposite ends of the standings with reciprocal records.
Last week, The Lizards, who were looking to become the second team in MLL history to achieve a perfect season, attempted to score a come-from-behind victory against the Charlotte Hounds only to fall short 13-12. With Paul Rabil sitting out, Rob Pannell and Mike Stone stepped up to lead the Lizards with two goals a piece. The Launch also suffered a close defeat to the Boston Cannons 19-18. Casey Powell led the way for the Launch with a six-point game consisting of four goals and two assists followed by Kieran McArdle with five goals. The last time these two teams met, the Lizards defeated the Launch 18-11, thanks in large part to two five-goal performances by Pannell and Tommy Palasek.
Earlier this week, the Lizards and Launch made some roster changes as the Launch sent midfielder Chris LaPierre to the Lizards in exchange for a 3rd-round MLL Collegiate Draft Pick in 2017. While LaPierre may not be an offensive threat, five points and four goals in two seasons with the Launch, he does add some depth to the midfield, having picked up thirteen ground balls this season, which is important for the Lizards to give guys like Mike Stone and JoJo Marasco rest so they can be ready for the playoffs.
It may look like an easy victory for the Lizards, but the same could’ve been and was said about the Charlotte Hounds last week, and the Hounds managed to spoil the undefeated season. The Lizards are still looking for their 100th win as a franchise, but no team is going to roll over and hand it to them. The Lizards will have to fight for their milestone.
