via the Launch press release   Game Highlights Defensive struggles and difficulties finding the back of the net left the Florida Launch defenseless against the second-ranked Dallas Rattlers as they fell 19-13 at FAU Stadium. In the finale of a five-game homestand, Connor Buczek made his return to the lineup and Dylan Molloy led the team in points with six (5 goals, 1 assist). The Rattlers, quick to strike on offense, took an early start over the Launch, putting up three unanswered goals in response to an early point from Buczek. A steadfast Launch offense set off to close the gap, however, finding the back of the net with back-to-back shots from rookie Jules Heningburg and Molloy to send the Launch into the second quarter down 4-3. “I think honestly, when we had possessions, we did a good job. It just felt like we went long periods without having the ball,” said Coach Tom Mariano following the game. Coach Mariano & Dylan Molloy Post Game Interviews Although the Launch forced the tie early in the second, the Rattlers stayed relentless on the attack, regaining the lead with shots from Ryan McNamara and Brian Kormondy. With a hat trick from Molloy, the Launch leveled the score once again. Two late game goals from Dallas left the Launch down 10-8 headed into the locker room. “They did a good job of wearing the possessions down. It felt like our attack didn’t get enough possessions and touches,” said Mariano. Coming out strong in the second half, Kieran McArdle kicked things off for the Launch with his first of the night. The Rattlers quickly interrupted the Launch’s offensive momentum with a three-goal scoring run early in the quarter. Putting up five goals to the Launch’s three, the Rattlers stretched the lead to 15-11 with just one quarter left to play. “They’re a good team, but they’re playing normal [defense],” said Molloy, “if we had the ball more, I would’ve liked to see more goals, and maybe it would’ve been a different game.” Despite maintaining a close grasp on the Rattlers through three quarters, the Launch struggled to hold off the scoring onslaught dealt by Dallas late in the game. Battling to bounce back, the Launch fought to keep momentum on the attack, continuing to shoot until the final seconds of the game. “I think the big key is stick to the game plan, execute. Each guy’s got to do their job,” said Mariano. The Launch kickoff a month-long road trip on June 2 against the Boston Cannons.