Boston Cannons Week 8 Preview

6/28/10 12:00 AM

 

MLL Week 8 Preview – Boston at Toronto

By Meg Andrews

The Boston Cannons (5-2) look strong and determined as they head into week eight of the Major League Lacrosse season after extending their home winning streak to 4 games this past Saturday against the Long Island Lizards (2-5). The Cannons hope to create a road winning streak as well when they travel to Toronto to play the Nationals (2-5) for the first time this season on Thursday night at 7 PM ET.

During Saturday night’s game against Long Island, the Cannons were able to pull out a thrilling 17-14 comeback win after trailing 13-5 in the third quarter.  They now have sole possession of first place in the league with a 5-2 record. 

Several Cannons players had great performances in the win against the Lizards. Matt Poskay scored six goals and still leads the league with 34 points and 29 goals. Goaltender Jordan Burke was named BudLight Game MVP as well as Defensive Player of the Week after coming off the bench and saving 7 of the 8 shots he faced while earning his first career win.  Paul Rabil scored two two-pointers and had a total of seven points. Kevin Buchanan added three goals and an assist, while Mitch Belisle, Ryan Boyle, and Max Quinzani all scored one goal.

 “We can turn things around when need to,” said Chris Eck who won 24 out of 33 face-offs in the win.

Although their comeback against Long Island was great, Boston hopes to not have to rely on comebacks every week. “It’s a great feeling to come back, but our goal is to work better in the first half so we can make the second half less stressful and more fun,” Matt Poskay said.

Before the Cannons gave their 7,356 rowdy fans something to cheer about, the Toronto Nationals upset the Chesapeake Bayhawks 17-14 in Annapolis on Thursday June 24 for their second consecutive win. Corey Small had a hat trick for the Nationals and John Grant Jr. and Jordan Hall both recorded two goals and an assist. Newly acquired Jake Deane also scored to help his team to victory.

Team chemistry on both ends of the field has been a key to the Cannons’ success so far this season.  Offensive players have illustrated the ability to find each other on the field, set up shots, and find the back of the net while the defensive players have shown cooperative teamwork strategies the past few games. The Cannons hope to keep this team dynamic strong as they head to Toronto. “We have to make sure we’re playing as a team all around the field from defense to offense to in between the lines. We have to make sure we put it all together and stay on the same page and not get frustrated,” Eck stated.

The Cannons will have to prepare themselves mentally as well and stay focused to capture another road win against the newly energized Nationals team coming off their first two wins of the season. “Toronto is tough. It’s tough playing up there. It’s a quick turn-around playing on Thursday,” Poskay stated. “It’s another road test. Obviously we’re pretty good at home but if we come mentally prepared and get to work out there I think we’ll be okay.”

The game will be broadcast live on Comcast Sports Net New England, TSN 2, Cox Sports Rhode Island, Cox Sports New Orleans, and ESPN3.com. Replays will be shown on Friday July 2nd on Universal Sports at midnight and on Brighthouse (Orlando & Tampa) at 3:30p.m.

You can also follow the game online with our live blog and chat at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.

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