via the Florida Launch press release   After a tough loss last Thursday at home, the Launch had a long week to get ready for the visiting New York Lizards. The game will be the fourth straight home game for the Launch this season at FAU Stadium, face-off is set for 7:30PM. This matchup will be one to watch in the much-anticipated battle between the league rivals in New York and Florida. In 2017, the Launch swept the season series in two close games in June. In those games, rookies Ryan Drenner, Dylan Molloy, Jarrod Neumann, Alec Tulett, Nick Mariano and Sergio Salcido all combined for 13 points and 10 groundballs. These two games were the rookies’ first games as professionals in MLL. This year, the Launch will also rely heavily on these young players. The attacking duo of Drenner and Molloy are tied for the team lead in points, followed closely by Salcido, Mariano and Kieran McArdle. On the defensive end, Neumann and Tulett have been extremely strong, forcing six turnovers, picking up 13 groundballs and adding 3 points as well. The solidified defensive unit also includes Tucker Durkin, PT Ricci and Charlie Ford. The team needs to bounce back after four back and forth games to start the season. Last week, the Launch lost 9 – 15 to the Boston Cannons in the team’s Pink Out Game. Dylan Molloy lead the attack with three goals and Sergio Salcido and Kieran McArdle finished with two goals apiece. Austin Kaut made another 18 saves in cage on Thursday and now averages 16.75 saves per game. The offense so far this season has seen a variety of players contributing production. Now, add in the Launch first round pick and Rutgers standout attackman, Jules Heningburg to the mix. His collegiate accomplishments, including a two-time All-American selection, 117 career goals and 207 overall points, will hopefully translate into professional success. He will hit the field this weekend sporting #7 in his first game as a pro. The Launch also added seventh round Supplemental Draft pick Bryan Cole to the midfield rotation this week after he finished his NLL season. The Lizards won their first game of the 2018 season and since then have lost three in a row. Their offensive threats will be Rob Pannell, Paul Rabil and Will Manny. The three veterans have recorded a collective 56 points this season. The Launch will look to expose Drew Adams in cage. The New York goalie is second in the league for goals scored against him with 60. The game gets more interesting as there is some family ties on both teams. Launch midfielder Mike Unterstein’s twin brother, Kevin, plays for the Lizards. The brothers played together at Hofstra and entered the league in 2008. Watch all the drama unfold LIVE this Saturday at 7:30pm at FAU Stadium. You will not want to miss this game as the Lizards and Launch battle in Boca for MLL week 5 action! Get your tickets HERE or call us at 561-923-9067.