Chesapeake's Defense Comes Up Big in Win Over Toronto
Bayhawks Take Over First Place in MLL
By Tom Peace
The Chesapeake Bayhawks made their second trip of the season to play the Toronto Nationals Saturday. In the first meeting, the Bayhawks crushed Toronto, 25-12. This time, the winless Nationals gave Chesapeake a game, but the Bayhawks were able to edge out a 10-9 victory at Lamport Stadium.
The Bayhawks survived with solid defense and another outstanding game from goalie Chris Garrity, who had 19 saves.
One big reason for the closer score in this game was the Nationals' new goalie. In last week's Major League Lacrosse Collegiate draft, Toronto selected Notre Dame goalie Scott Rodgers. The rookie started in goal and had a great game against the Bayhawks, making 19 saves, including 14 in the first half.
Chesapeake defenseman Michael Evans, Ray Megill and Joe Cinosky put on a defensive show, as the Bayhawks held Toronto to just two goals in each of the final three quarters.
"We've been working on playing as a cohesive unit and becoming comfortable with one another, and I think we took a big step forward tonight," Evans said per the team's press release. "It was tight and we knew we needed to step up defensively. Garrity definitely made some big saves, but we helped him out by forcing Toronto to shoot from the outside a lot."
Toronto's Rodgers wasn't the only rookie to have a strong showing in the game. Michael Kimmel, Chesapeake's first pick in last week's draft, had a goal and an assist in the win. Kimmel was named the Bud Light Most Valuable Player in his MLL debut.
"Michael did an outstanding job. He made a lot of big plays and I can't wait to see how he does once he becomes more acclimated to our team," Bayhawks head coach John Tucker said in the press release.
Along with Kimmel, attackman Andrew "Buggs" Combs, Danny Glading and middie Peet Poillon also had a goal and an assist for Chesapeake.
"It was a hard-fought game and we feel fortunate to come out on top," Tucker said. "Toronto's guys played like their lives depended on this game, and I was pleased with the way we responded. They came out like gangbusters, but we matched their intensity."
With the win, Chesapeake improves to 4-1 on the season and takes over first place in the MLL. The Bayhawks will host the (3-2) Denver Outlaws on June 19. Denver is in a three-way tie for second place with Boston and Chicago.
Posted June 14, 2010
