The last time the Rattlers were in the playoffs they walked away with a 16-6 championship win over the Denver Outlaws. On February 19, 2009, the team and staff relocated to become the Toronto Nationals. This Rattlers team is from the Chicago Machine that left their home in 2009 and became a travel team in 2010, before making a home in Rochester on November 23, 2010.
Why do I say this? Well, this weekend the Rattlers face off in the semi-finals against the Ohio Machine. The Machine defeated the Rattlers both times this season. An 18-13 win on June 14 in Ohio, and a 17-15 win just two weeks ago in Rochester. Will the third time be a charm for Rochester?
Head Coach and recently announced Coach of the Year, Tim Soudan leads his team back into the playoffs and will obviously be looking to seek revenge against the Machine. Rattler Middie, Justin Turri,(Most Improved Player) will look to continue his hot streak. Turri tallied 34 points this season (19 G/1 two-point/13 A). In his first 22 games he only registered 22 points total.
Rochester is stacked with scoring talent. Jordan Wolf (21 G), Dave Lawson (23 G), Mark Cockerton (24 G) are just a few to lead the way. Rookie Miles Thompson played in only nine games but registered 12 goals. So Ohio will have their hands full.
Ohio also has their fire power as well. Marcus Holman (37 G), Peter Baum (35 G), Logan Schuss (28 G), and Kyle Harrison (27 G) that will definitely bring havoc to the Rochester defenders.
It may not be dark out, but there will be fireworks between the teams with all this offensive power.
Both teams missed the playoffs last season, and are very hungry. One will punch their ticket for Atlanta next weekend as they face the winner of the Denver Outlaws vs New York Lizards.
Should the Rattlers advance and win next weekend, it will be the first time that the same city has the National Lacrosse League Champions and Major League Lacrosse Champions. This past May the Rochester Knighthawks made history by being the first team to three-peat in the league’s 28-year history. So will we have two history-making stories? Only time will tell, but I am sure that the Rattlers faithful will be that extra man on the field this weekend.
Faceoff is at 3 pm at Aquinas Institue-Wegmans Stadium and will also be broadcasted live on the CBS SportsNetwork.
