Game Preview - Barrage at Bayhawks 8-4-07

By Tom Hoffman

The Philadelphia Barrage (7-3) will seek to clinch a berth in the 2007 Major League Lacrosse playoffs when they travel to Washington to face the Bayhawks (5-5) Saturday afternoon at 4 PM. A victory will give the Barrage a chance to defend their MLL title. The game will be televised on August 7 at 4 PM on ESPN2.

Last Week

The Barrage needed overtime to defeat the New Jersey Pride 12-11 at Yurcak Field last Thursday evening. Seth Goldberg's second goal of the night 6:44 into the extra period gave the Barrage the win. Brian Dougherty earned MLL Goalie of the Week honors with a 16 save performance. Roy Colsey added a pair of goals while Mike Springer led the way with five points (two goals, three assists).

History

The Barrage are 6-6 all time against the Bayhawks, 4-2 on the road. In 2006, the Barrage swept the series with a pair of routs. In a lightning shortened game on July 27, Philly broke open a close game at halftime with a 16-6 second half enroute to a 22-11 win. Then in the final game of the regular season, the Barrage beat up on the Bayhawks again to the tune of 20-12. Ryan Boyle had 15 points (nine goals, six assists) while Roy Colsey added seven goals, including a two pointer, and an assist in the two games. Brian Dougherty won both games in net.

Familiar Faces

The Bayhawk lineup features a number of players familiar to Philly lax fans. Former Wings Tom Marechek and Mark Frye, as well as current Wings Shawn Nadelen and Kyle Fiat are top contributors to the Washington lineup. Ex-Barrage players Ryan Moran and Mike Mollot have seen time in the lineup along with former Ridley High standout Bill McGlone. Marechek still has his goal scoring touch with 18, good for third on the Bayhawks.

Barrage leaders

Goals: Ryan Boyle and Mike Springer (21)
Assists: Boyle (24)
Points: Boyle (46)
Goals Against: Brian Dougherty (11.99)

Next Game

The Barrage will conclude the regular season with a rematch against the Bayhawks on August 11 at USTC in Downingtown.

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