Launch Trades for Heavy Hitters to Bolster Midfield

The Florida Launch announced today a trade with the Chesapeake Bayhawks that brings veteran MLL midfielders Steven Brooks, David Earl and Jon Hayes to the Florida roster. In exchange, the Bayhawks receive midfielder Kevin Crowley and the Launch’s fourth round pick in the 2015 MLL Collegiate Draft.

“Trading Kevin Crowley was not an easy decision for us and we can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for our team this season but we felt that the opportunity to get these three young men couldn’t be passed up. David Earl, Jon Hayes and Stephen Brooks will be able to contribute to our program not only immediately this season but in seasons to come,” said Launch Head Coach Stan Ross. “Earl is a true two-way midfielder who can play the two-man pick game and draw slides, as well as play solid one-on-one and team defense, and Hayes is a tough defensive midfielder who can help us in the transition game. Brooks is able to help right away coming out of the box, attacking in the backside and is also a threat to score from the outside.  We look forward to seeing what these players have to offer the Launch and getting them into our lineup soon.”

Brooks, a two-time MLL All-Star, is currently in his seventh MLL season and has spent the last four with the Bayhawks. In the past eight games, Brooks has tallied six goals and three assists for the Bayhawks, including one two-point goal. Brooks has played in a total of 61 MLL games since 2008, scoring 80 goals and tallying 37 assists for a career total of 128 points.  Earl, who was traded to the Bayhawks earlier this month, only played in two games for the Bayhawks but tallied a goal in each game plus an assist and six groundballs. Prior to joining the Bayhawks, Earl played for the New York Lizards including seven games this season. In those seven games, he scored four goals and collected four groundballs. Defensive midfielder Hayes has not played yet this season for the Bayhawks but has played the past three seasons with the Boston Cannons. Hayes played in a total of 23 games for the Cannons where he scored four goals and one assist, as well as collected 26 groundballs.

The Florida Launch heads out west next to take on the Denver Outlaws at Mile High Stadium on Sunday, July 20, at 3 p.m. ET before the team heads home for the last time this season. The Launch hosts the Boston Cannons for its last home game of the inaugural season during “Fan Appreciation Night” on Saturday, July 26, at 7 p.m. During “Fan Appreciation Night,” the first 3,000 fans receive 2014 Florida Launch team posters and raffle tickets that can win many exclusive items, including autographed memorabilia from Launch players, special packages from Launch sponsors and 2015 Florida Launch season tickets! Click here to purchase tickets to last home game of the historic inaugural season!