Game Preview - Barrage at Outlaws 7-21-07

By Tom Hoffman

Seeking to extend their winning streak and stay perfect against the West, the Philadelphia Barrage (6-2) travel to Denver to meet the Outlaws (4-4) on Saturday night. This game is a rematch of last season's MLL Championship game won by the Barrage 23-12. Faceoff is at 9:30 at Invesco Field.

Last Week

The Barrage had their best defensive game of the season as they defeated New Jersey 12-7 at Yurcak Field. Brian Dougherty was named game MVP with a 20 save performance and holding the Pride offense to three goals through three quarters. The offense was led by rookie Ian Dingman with three goals. This, in his MLL debut, earned Dingman the Cascade MLL Rookie of the Week honors.

Last Meeting

Roy Colsey had 10 points (six goals, two 2-point goals, two assists) to take Championship MVP honors in leading the Barrage to their second title in three seasons over the Outlaws in Los Angeles. Matt Striebel added nine points (four goals, one 2-point goal, four assists) while Paul Cantabene dominated the faceoff spot for Philly winning 27 of 36 draws. Denver was led by Brendan Mundorf with three goals and one assist while Mike Law and Brian Langtry each chipped in two goals and two assists.

A Crowded House

One thing the Barrage can expect Saturday is to see a large crowd in the seats. Since entering the MLL last season, Denver has set many MLL attendance records. On July 4, the Outlaws drew a league record of 19,793 for their match with Chicago. The largest crowd the Barrage have played to was in the 2004 Championship when 8,279 saw them defeat the Boston Cannons at Nickerson Field in Boston.

Stats

Ryan Boyle is currently third in MLL scoring with 41 points trailing Rochester's John Grant Jr. and L.A.'s Spencer Ford. Brian Dougherty is second in Goals Against with a 12.16 average, .02 behind leader Mickey Jarboe of the Riptide. Denver leads the MLL in faceoff percentage, spearheaded by Geoff Snider. Snider has won 169 of 273 draws this season. The Outlaws are also second in penalty killing, stopping 75% of opposing powerplays.

Next Game

The Barrage return to Rutgers University's Yurcak Field to face the Pride on July 26. This will be a home game for the Barrage as the game will be televised by ESPN2.

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