In the first away match of the season the Blaze bested the Lizards
May 6, 2018 Hempstead, NY– Tonight, the Atlanta Blaze began their first win streak of 2018 with a 16-14, come-from-behind victory over the New York Lizards at James M. Shuart Stadium. Paced by Deemer Class’ six goals, including three two-pointers, and goalie Chris Madalon’s 19 saves, the Blaze has now won two straight games despite trailing 8-3 at halftime.
The scoring started off almost a full five minutes into the game when the Blaze’s Matt Mackrides scored on a goal assisted by Mike Begley. It was the first time in three games Atlanta scored the first goal of the game. Following two back-and-forth exchanges between the two teams Atlanta led, 3-2 at the end of one quarter. In the second frame, the Lizards went on an unchallenged six-goal run with Mike Bocklet scoring a hat trick for New York. After the halftime break, midfielder Class went on a nearly unbelievable run, netting three goals and three two-point goals for a total of nine points for the Blaze. Accompanied by the efforts of Matt Gibson (4 goals) and Matt Mackrides (2 goals, 4 assists), the Blaze pulled ahead in the final minutes for a 16-14 win over New York.
Facing a New York team loaded with many all-stars and Team USA players, the defense had a specific plan designed. Most notable on the defending end were Liam Byrnes and Eddy Glazener as the pair limited Paul Rabil to just two goals. Madalon, who started in goal for the second straight week, had another exceptional game saving 19 out of the 33 shots sent his way. Madalon, who spent the last four years on the Lizards’ roster, earned his second career win in as many starts.
Next week, the Blaze travels to Boston to face the winless Cannons at Harvard Stadium, having beaten them last week 19-12. The Blaze return home on Saturday, June 2nd for the Real Men Wear Pink game against the New York Lizards.
Players of note:
Deemer Class: Coca-Cola Player of the Game, 3 goals, 3 two point goals, 9 points
Matt Mackrides: 2 goals, 4 assists
Matt Gibson: 4 goals, 2 ground balls
Chris Madalon: 19 saves on 33 shots, .576 save percentage
All Atlanta Blaze home games are played at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on the campus of Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. Single-game tickets are on sale now at AtlantaBlaze.com/Tickets
About the Atlanta Blaze
The Atlanta Blaze played their inaugural season in 2016, becoming the ninth team in Major League Lacrosse. The Blaze play their home games at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on the campus of Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. They are coached by former MLL player Liam Banks and Spencer Ford serves as the team’s General Manager.
For questions or to acquire credentials for Saturday, contact Kellen Flatt at kflatt@atlantablaze.com or 404-725-2966
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