FAIRFIELD, CT. – It was an eventful first day in Fairfield, Connecticut as the Premier Lacrosse League resumed their season after the All-Star Break.
Game One: Denver Outlaws Vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs
This was a back and forth game right from the start as both teams had a high scoring and evenly contested first quarter. The fans were treated to some highlight reel plays as Waterdogs attack Micheal Sowers broke out an impressive behind the back pass to Kieran McArdle for a goal to end the quarter.
This Michael Sowers BTB assist was a thing of beauty 💯 @PLLWaterdogs
— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) July 19, 2024
(via @PremierLacrosse, ESPN+) pic.twitter.com/D9tt3IjE9x
The second quarter was all Philadelphia as they went on a unopposed 4-1 run going into halftime, but Denver definitely was not out of the fight.
Starting off the 3rd quarter, highly appraised rookie Brennan O’Neil got his first goal of the game, and Denver started to punch back as they went on to score eight goals in a single quarter to give them their first lead of the game since the first quarter. Going into the 4th, the Waterdogs started to give a little push back and bring the game within one, however, Outlaws Attack Eric Law buried a dagger and called game with one final goal, putting the game away 15-13.
During the post game press conference, Outlaws Head Coach Tim Soudan gave some praise to his young goalie and called out the critics.
“He’s been patient, we knew he had it in him and he made some great saves today.”
“We have great shooters in this league”, stated Soudan, “Sometimes you worry about a young goalie, but he stood tall and did great.”
Both the Outlaws and Waterdogs complete their games for the weekend and will be getting plenty of rest before their respective showdowns next weekend in San Diego.
Game Two: Maryland Whipsnakes Vs. Carolina Chaos
What was looked at as the game of the weekend heading into this game, definitely lived up to the hype and expectations it was given.
The first quarter had plenty of action and was extremely close as there were only two goals scored from each team. Last season’s Rookie of the Year, Tucker Dordevic made his regular season debut tonight after being sidelined with injuries and didn’t waste any time getting his first goal of the year.
AND JUST LIKE THAT!
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 20, 2024
THE REIGNING ROOKIE OF THE YEAR SCORES!
Happy to see @TuckerDordevic back 👏 pic.twitter.com/F9ubyCp2tf
In the 2nd quarter, Carolina started to widen the gap as they scored four goals giving them a nice lead going into halftime. Four different members of the Chaos scored, including Brayden Mayea scoring his first career goal in the PLL.
BRAYDEN MAYEA FIRST PRO GOAL ‼️
— Carolina Chaos (@PLLChaos) July 20, 2024
BRAYDEN MAYEA FIRST PRO GOAL ‼️
BRAYDEN MAYEA FIRST PRO GOAL ‼️
BRAYDEN MAYEA FIRST PRO GOAL ‼️ pic.twitter.com/lZJwmS1qQ6
In the 3rd quarter, the Whipsnakes found some life and got themselves right back into the game. However, they were still down and needed to keep their foot on the gas if they wanted any chance of winning this game.
The 4th quarter was exactly the kind of push that they needed. TJ Malone and Levi Anderson both finding cage to tie the game and force the game into overtime.
Chaos would get the last laugh. Two minutes into overtime Shane Knobloch came in and found the goal on a hesitation shot, sporting a tap on the wrist watch celebration to call the game.
SHANE KNOBLOCH WINS IT FOR THE @PLLChaos IN OVERTIME!!
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 20, 2024
And what a save from @BRiorden10 to start the possession 👏 pic.twitter.com/npk9nZyxp4
Chaos Goalie Blaze Riorden keeps his dominant form as he racked up a total of 18 saves and a 66% on shot saves.
Chaos continues to play in good form as they are now tied first for the Western Conference, bearing on the results of the Archers – Redwoods showdown later today at 5:30pm.
