The Season Thus Far:
Wins: 5 Losses: 4 Games Back: 3 HOME: 3 – 1 AWAY: 2 – 3
After a wild ending at Denver, the Rochester Rattlers are currently one of the five teams that are log-jammed in the middle of the League Standings as we approach the last four weeks of the 2015 MLL season. Coming off a dominant 13 – 6 defensive victory over the Cannons, the Rattlers faced the Outlaws in the best offensive game so far this season, ultimately losing 22 – 21 in OT to a John Grant Jr. goal.
This isn’t the first time these two teams had short-circuited the scoreboard, as both clubs hold the highest scoring, combined MLL game between two teams. Back in June 16th, 2007, the Rattlers, led by John Grant Jr., Joe Walters, and Brodie Merrill, traveled to Denver to take on Brendan Mundorf, Matt Brown, Drew Westervelt, and the Outlaws in what would end up being a 53-point contest. The game was decided in OT by a goal from Colin Doyle off a pass from Jeff Zywicki for a Rattlers win, 27 – 26. While this game did not show such mighty numbers, it was only ten points away, and for good reason. Both offenses absolutely shined, with Denver going on an 8 – 0 run at one point, while Rochester opened up to a 4 – 1 lead within the first five or so minutes, and had pure domination from the midfield.
A Look-Inside:
WPCT: .556 GF: 115 2ptGF: 6 GA: 116 2ptGA: 3
While having the ability to put up gigantic offensive numbers, the Rattlers are stronger on defense, coming into their last game one of the better defensive units in the League. Galloway has been hot and cold this season, having a standout game against the Cannons, but struggling greatly in both this game and the earlier Lizards loss at home. That Denver game also showed the impact of Michael Manley. The 2014 Defensive Player of the Year missed the game due to injury. Because of this, the team’s top scorer was not taken out of his element, and it showed, with the former Rattler, John Grant Jr., having seven goals and one assist. Joel White is having another fantastic season. John Lade and Joe LoeCascio have been out of sorts sometimes this season.
Mike Manley: 1 Assist. 25 Groundballs.
Joel White: 1 Goal, 3 Assists: 4 Points. 38 Groundballs.
John Lade: 33 Groundballs.
John LoeCasio: 3 Goals, 1 2pt: 5 Points. 36 Groundballs.
John Galloway: GA: 104, 2ptGA: 3, GAA: 13.13, SV: 114, SV%: 0.523
Offensively, there is good news and bad news, both being that the Rattlers put up 21 goals without much help from Jordan Wolf. Throughout the year, the Rattlers mostly differentiated themselves from last year at the attack. Instead of offensive midfield power, the Rattlers were seemingly attack first.
Jordan Wolf: 27 Goals, 18 Assists: 45 Points Jeremy Boltus: 16 Goals, 3 Assists: 19 Points
Now, the midfield came to life. In Week 10, Dave Lawson having a career night, with five points. Several players tallied three points or more, spread out between nine combined scorers. However, the Rattlers starting attack line scored a combined four points, the lowest this season.
Dave Lawson: 16 Goals, 8 Assists: 24 points. Jordan MacIntosh: 14 Goals, 1 2pt, 5 Assists: 20 points.
John Ranagan: 8 Goals, 1 2pt, 4 Assists: 13 points. Justin Turri: 4 Goals, 2 2pts, 4 Assists: 10 points.
Despite the record, the Rochester Rattlers are still a Top Two or Three team. In order for them to once again make it to the post-season, better defensive communication is needed. Galloway needs to be more consistent in goal, and the defense needs Mike Manley back. The Offense is fine. While limited to four points last week, they still have the top scorer in the MLL in Jordan Wolf, with a capable Kevin Rice and Jeremy Boltus, who is having a great season. The important thing is the re-emergence of the midfield.
With better goal-tending and solid midfield contribution, the Rattlers can realistically win each of their next games and enter the post 10-4, matching the record from the statistically best team in the MLL in 2014.
