Florida Launch Fall to Ohio Machine 19-7 on Saturday Night
Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in Uncategorized.
via press release – photos via MLL
The Florida Launch struggled to hold off a dominant Ohio Machine in a 19-7 loss on the road.
Though the Machine struck first in the game with two goals, the Launch quickly responded with goals from Jimmy Dailey (2G) and Kieran McArdle (3G). The Machine overtook the Launch early in the second quarter with a six goal scoring streak. Launch Goalie Austin Kaut fought off an aggressive Ohio offense, saving 24 out of a staggering 40 shots on goal.
“I thought we played too much defense, got a little tired. Ohio made some nice plays, they have some good players,” said coach Tom Mariano at halftime.
The return of McArdle, one of the Launch’s top offensive options, was not enough to overcome the Machine’s defense, who kept the Launch at bay with only 21 shots on goal throughout the game.
With new additions coming to the Launch through Sunday’s Collegiate Draft, the Launch will continue to build and shape their roster moving into their last game of a three-game road trip against the New York Lizards on June 2.
The Launch return to FAU Stadium on June 10 to take on the New York Lizards at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 561-923-9067 or click here.
Author’s Note: This was one you just burn the tape on. Came out slow, got a few and then the intensity just wasn’t there. Watched almost all of it and Ohio definitely played like they needed it more. A number of things that you rarely see in an MLL game, including a number of dropped passes. Communication seemed an issue on defense and the team definitely tired while playing way too much defense. Kieran Mcardle with the hat trick in his return but he really had to work to get his shot off as there was a lack of off ball movement on offense, which allowed Ohio to slide/double without paying for it. One bright spot was the play of Austin Kaut, with 24 saves on the 40 shots he faced (Adam Fullerton finished the fourth quarter). A shame a game like this for him was wasted. With the draft now behind look for competition for jobs to really heighten. The team is certainly in the playoff race as far as standings go but if they had not rallied in Rochester they’d be 1-4 and it would feel really different. Last year Denver took off when it completely re-vamped its’ line-up and 3 weeks from now this might well be a very different team in personnel. And don’t think a trade or two could be out of the question either. The league now has a player movement rule that allows players with a certain level of experience to opt for a free agency with compensation coming back in certain instances. I say this because both Tucker Durkin and Kieran Mcardle are in their fourth season and I believe they can opt out after the 2018 season. If the team starts to fall out of the playoff chase we might see some decisions that need to be made.
The Florida Launch struggled to hold off a dominant Ohio Machine in a 19-7 loss on the road.
Though the Machine struck first in the game with two goals, the Launch quickly responded with goals from Jimmy Dailey (2G) and Kieran McArdle (3G). The Machine overtook the Launch early in the second quarter with a six goal scoring streak. Launch Goalie Austin Kaut fought off an aggressive Ohio offense, saving 24 out of a staggering 40 shots on goal.
“I thought we played too much defense, got a little tired. Ohio made some nice plays, they have some good players,” said coach Tom Mariano at halftime.
The return of McArdle, one of the Launch’s top offensive options, was not enough to overcome the Machine’s defense, who kept the Launch at bay with only 21 shots on goal throughout the game.
With new additions coming to the Launch through Sunday’s Collegiate Draft, the Launch will continue to build and shape their roster moving into their last game of a three-game road trip against the New York Lizards on June 2.
The Launch return to FAU Stadium on June 10 to take on the New York Lizards at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 561-923-9067 or click here.
