Game Preview - Barrage vs. Lizards 6-30-07

By Tom Hoffman

The Philadelphia Barrage (3-2) will look to end their two game losing streak when they return to USTC in Downingtown to square off with the Long Island Lizards (4-1) Saturday night. Faceoff is at 7 PM.

Last Week

Another rough 3rd quarter doomed the Barrage as they fell to the Rochester Rattlers 16-11 in front of 4,829 at PAETEC Park. Philadelphia led 8-7 at halftime and 9-8 early in the third before the Rattlers scored six straight goals to break open the match. Roy Colsey scored five goals, Mike Springer tallied three goals and two assist and Ryan Boyle added five assists for the Barrage. Brian Dougherty made 20 saves in a losing effort. Brandon Spillett earned MVP honors with a four goal performance while Colin Doyle, who usually does his damage here indoors, added a hat trick to fuel the Rattler offense.

Third (quarter) is not the charm

The Barrage have struggled mightily during the third quarter in 2007. They have been outscored 30-12 this season, 26-7 when you take away the season opener at Boston when the outscored the Cannons by a 5-4 margin. In the back to back losses to Long Island and Rochester, the play in the third has turned the tide against the Barrage. A 7-7 tie against the Lizards became a 13-7 deficit after three and 16-7 into the fourth while the Barrage led 8-7 at the half in Rochester before the collapse.

All-Stars

The Barrage will be well represented when the MLL All-Star Game is played in Boston on July 8th. Five players have been selected to the Eastern Conference team. Roy Colsey(4th appearance), Matt Striebel (3rd), Brian Dougherty (4th), Ryan Boyle (3rd) and Kyle Sweeney (2nd) will each represent the defending league champs. In addition, Tony Resch will be behind the bench for the All-Star showdown.

Next Game

The Barrage will be at home on July 6 for their first ever meeting with the San Francisco Dragons. Faceoff will be at 7:30 PM at USTC.

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