Barrage Game 10 (at Los Angeles 7-26-08)

By Tom Hoffman

After being off for just over two weeks, the Barrage (6-3) returns to play Saturday when they visit the Los Angeles Riptide (5-4) in a rematch of the 2007 MLL Championship Game. Faceoff at the Home Depot Center is at 7 PM. The game will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet.

History

In addition to last year’s title game won by the Barrage 16-13 at Rochester’s PAETEC Park, the teams have met one other time in regular season play. On May 27, 2006 the Barrage defeated the Riptide 18-6 at Villanova Stadium in LA’s first ever game. While the Barrage roster has pretty much stayed the same, only two current members of the Riptide (Michael Watson and Greg Bice) were in the lineup that night.

Last Game

The Barrage defeated New Jersey 16-11 on July 10th at Yurcak Field. Tied at halftime 6-6, the Barrage scored seven of the games next nine goals to break open the game. Peter Trombino earned game MVP honors with five goals while Brett Moyer was named Defensive Player of the Week for helping to hold the Pride’s Merrick Thomson pointless on the evening. In addition to Trombino, Matt Striebel added four goals while Roy Colsey dished out five assists along with a goal. Brian Dougherty made 13 saves in the Barrage cage.

Success out West

Since the Western expansion in 2006, the Barrage has done quite well against the four new teams. The Barrage’s record against the West is 4-1 in regular season play, their only loss coming last season at Denver. In the postseason, the Barrage are 3-0 against the Western teams, with their last two titles coming at the expense of the new squads (2006 – Denver, 2007 – LA).

Barrage Leaders

Goals: Seth Goldberg – 26
Assists: Ryan Boyle – 16
Points: Goldberg, Boyle and Matt Striebel – 31
Faceoff Wins: Andy Corno – 133
Saves: Brian Dougherty – 162

Next Game

The Barrage will travel to Boston to face the Cannons on August 2nd.