The New York Lizards Celebrating a goal during the 2015 Season. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
The New York Lizards (5-0) are getting ready to host the Chesapeake Bayhawks (3-1) in Major League Lacrosse action on Saturday (today) at James M. Shuart Stadium on the Campus of Hofstra University.
Coming off a thrilling home-and-home series against the Boston Cannons, the Major League Lacrosse schedule does not get any easier for New York, who now has to take on Chesapeake who have always been tough competition for the Lizards.
In 2014 the Bayhawks beat the Lizards twice, and are now looking to stop the team’s current success on the field.
New York has been on quite a ride this Major League Lacrosse season, having earned not only home-and-home victories against the Cannons but also the Rochester Rattlers.
The Lizards have had a different player step-up in every game on the offensive side of the field, while on the defensive end the unit has stayed strong.
Fans going to the game today should be able to see the return of Lizards Kyle Hartzell, who has missed the past three games due to injury.
In the team’s last victory over Boston Rob Pannell earned his first Coca-Cola Player of the Game Award this season for his performance this week, which included 3 goals, 2 assists and 7 points. Midfielder Greg Gurenlian was honored for a second time this season as the FOAthlete of the Week for his 76% face-off wins.
Paul Rabil, JoJo Marasco and Tommy Palasek all had great games, collectively earning the Lizards eight goals. Marasco and Palasek both netted hat tricks, while Rabil posted three points (two goals, one assist).
Here are some other interesting notes prior to the game:
The Quest to 100 Wins
Following last week’s win against Boston, the New York Lizards hold 96 regular season wins throughout their 15-year history. Four more wins this season will break the 100-win milestone. The Chesapeake Bayhawks are the only team in the MLL to have accomplished this feat thus far in MLL history.
Career Milestones
Paul Rabil is set to break another career milestone this season. This past Friday, in his second game against the Boston Cannons since being traded in the off-season, Rabil reached his 200th career goal. He now has a total of 151 all-time regular and post-season assists. He stands 14 points shy of 400. These statistics include all career games including playoffs.
Lizards Rally Towels
The first 1,000 fans in attendance to the Saturday, May 16th game will receive a Lizards rally towel commemorating the 15th anniversary of the 2001 inaugural team. Gates open at 3 p.m.
Inaugural Team 15th Anniversary Celebration
In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the New York Lizards, several of the inaugural team members will be present at the May 16th game to participate in a special ceremony. Our current players will wear “throwback” jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Lizards legend Tim Goettalmann’s Monster’s Kids Foundation.
Lizards Honor Police Appreciation Week
In light of Police Appreciation Week and the recent passing of Officer Brian Moore, the New York Lizards will be offering complimentary tickets to all active police officers in the tri-state area for our May 16th game. A portion of the proceeds from all tickets purchased at the game will go to the NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Widow’s and Children’s Fund.
After the game today New York will travel to Charlotte to play the Hounds on Saturday, May 30th at 7 p.m. The team will next be home on Friday, June 5th to host the Florida Launch in their first match up for the season. The first 1,000 fans will receive 2015 New York Lizards Player Trading Cards.
For more information on the New York Lizards fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: