Seeing as Brooklyn plays their first game of the 2014 MSL season tonight, Wednesday June 4, there are no statistics recorded yet. A clean slate to start over, to make a championship run, and to try new systems and formations.
The Lakers had the privilege of playing two games already this summer. They enter this matchup with an impressive 2-0 record thus far.
REDMEN
Steve Priolo comes into the season hot and in the zone from playing NLL just a few short weeks ago (with the Buffalo Bandits). This past year, he recorded 26 points as a defender, recovered 99 loose balls, and forced 31 turnovers.
Nick Diachenko follows suit to the MSL following a debut season in the NLL, as well. The young rookie has quickly made a name for himself, but stacking up in the MSL may be quite different.
Derek Hopcroft just helped the Knighthawks to a three-peat championship victory, and now starts his season with the Redmen.
Without needing to go further it is safe to say Brookyln has the roster to succeed. It will be a matter of stacking up against a team who has home field advantage AND two games (both wins) under their belts.
LAKERS
Mark Steenhuis helped the Bandits to a deep playoff run, and now leads the Lakers with nine points in two games. He will face NLL-teammate/MSL-opponent Priolo, who undoubtedly will know Steenhuis’ weaknesses. The performance from the forward is going to be an exciting match to watch.
John Grant Jr. has impacted this roster in more than statistical ways. Though he sits lower by the stats, he has a crucial role in bringing the offensive system fluidly together.
Peterborough’s “Ace on the River” is goaltender Matt Vinc, who has not played yet this season due to leading his NLL Knighthawks to a three-peat. He will defend the cage against NLL-teammate/MSL-opponent Hopcroft, who can be expected to bring the heat.
