The Barrage will start on the road to a third straight Major League Lacrosse title, and fourth in five years, when they open their 2008 season in Virginia Beach, VA against the Washington Bayhawks on Sunday. This would have been the Barrage's home opener but as a result of the team being operated by the league for 2008, none of the Barrage's home games will take place in Philadelphia. Sunday's faceoff is at 2 PM and will be shown Live on Comcast Sportsnet.
History
The Barrage are 8-6 all time vs the Bayhawks and have won four straight games in the series. Last season the Barrage finished the regular season with a pair of routs against Washington, winning 21-11 at Georgetown on August 4th and 22-7 a week later in Downingtown. Roy Colsey scored eight goals in the two games for the Barrage while Matt Striebel added seven and Jed Prossner chipped in six.
Playoff recap
The Barrage won their second straight MLL championship with a 16-13 victory over the Los Angeles Riptide August 26th at Rochester's PAETEC Park. Matt Striebel took Game MVP honors with a six point (3G, 3A) performance including the game winning goal. The Barrage got to the finals with a 13-12 overtime win against Denver the day before. Kevin Cassese tied the game with 59 seconds left in regulation and Roy Colsey scored 51 seconds into overtime to win the game. Colsey's score came after Brian Dougherty stoned Denver's Geoff Snider on a breakaway scoring opportunity.
2007 Barrage Leaders
Goals: Ryan Boyle and Michael Springer - 26
Assists: Boyle - 31
Points: Boyle - 58
Saves: Brian Dougherty - 182
Roster
The Barrage bring back almost their entire roster from 2007 which included five members of the All-MLL team (Boyle, Striebel, Dougherty, D Brian Spallina and D Kyle Sweeney). Tony Resch returns as coach for his fourth season.
Next Game
The Barrage continue their road tour with a game when they travel to Dallas and Texas Stadium for a match with the Long Island Lizards on May 25th.
