Major League Lacrosse :      June 3, 2006 [ The Game Story]
Philadelphia Barrage 16 New Jersey Pride 15 Scoring: Scoring: Matt Striebel Roy Colsey Michael Springer Jed Prossner Bj Prager Andrew Wasik Justin Smith (4, 1) (3, 2) (2, 1) (3, 0) (3, 0) (0, 2) (1, 0) Scott Urick Adam Doneger Aj Haugen Jesse Hubbard Liam Banks John Madigan Andy Corno Rob Parengkuan Kyle Harrison Ben Grinnell (3, 2) (3, 2) (2, 1) (2, 1) (1, 1) (1, 1) (0, 1) (1, 0) (1, 0) (1, 0) Saves: Saves: Brian Dougherty 19  (0.559) Rob Scherr 19  (0.543) Current Record :     (3-0) Current Record :     (2-1) Team Page For 2006 Team Page For 2006       The Game Story:

The Philadelphia Barrage moved to 3-0 by holding off the New Jersey Pride, 16-15. Duke Lacrosse was back to some extent, as recent graduate, Matt Zash, suited up for the Philadelphia Barrage. Zash was the only rookie from the recent college draft to suit for either team. Matt Striebel was named MVP for his 4 goal and 1 assist performance on the night. The scoring went back and forth throughout as neither team was willing to relinquish a lead. It was 8-8 at the half, 11-11 going into the fourth, and the Barrage just slipped by 16-15 in the end.

Villanova, PA – The crowd was said to be 2,071 deep. Attendance counts being what they are, no one is going to call the MLL out on that, but it does seem interesting as to what really counts as one of those fans. Because there were not 2,071 people at the game. Not if you counted Barrage and Pride Players, workers, press and all of the paid and unpaid fans. That being said it was an exciting up-and-down game for the fans.

Neither team gave up much ground. The largest lead held by either team was two, which both teams held at least once. There were six lead changes. At times the Barrage offense looked sloppy with some unforced errors occurring as they threw the ball away un-pressured. The Pride, however, couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Neither goalie out-did the other, as both Philadelphia’s Brian Dougherty and New Jersey’s Rob Scherr contributed 19 saves apiece.

The Pride’s Andy Corno dominated the face-off circle. He won 23 of 34 for 67%, while picking up 14 groundballs and adding an assist on a rare true fast-break, which he started. Just about all of his wins came against the Barrage’s Jack deVilliers, who was a paltry 11 of 34. deVilliers was picked up in the off-season to try and fill the shoes of Doug Shanahan, gone to Chicago. After a jaw injury in the preseason, he has been a disappointing 31 of 87 for 36% this season. Not quite what they had hoped for. Soon the Barrage may have to give others a chance. Their recent draft picks, Matt Zash and Greg Peyser, both have experience there and at both ends of the field, as does Jason Motta, who is on their active roster but yet to be tested in game action.

The big story of the night, at least from a fan of college lacrosse’s perspective, was the re-appearance of Duke’s Matt Zash. After message board rumors that Zash was going to appeal for a 5th year of eligibility, Zash entered the draft and was taken by Philadelphia sixth overall on Wednesday. Many of the MLL teams had recent rookies suiting up for them this first weekend. Sean Morris and Mike Culver both contributed in Chicago, Brendan Healy had three goals for Baltimore, and Joe Walters, as expected, led the way for Rochester with 4 points. Zash was the first Duke player to make his presence known. Some rust was evident at times as Zash had a couple of turnovers passes that he should have made. But flashes of the brilliance he displayed over the past couple of years certainly shone through. At one point he displayed his athleticism by pressuring Andy Corno following a face-off win by the box where he forced the ball to the ground. He also for the most part played solid defense. Though he might not have been quite ready for the offensive power that his opponents possess, as at one time he gave up a shot that normally would have been a routine save, but instead with the horses in the MLL it found the back of the net. It was nice to see Zash back and not having lost much of a step despite the shortened season this year.

As for other Philadelphia and Team USA news, Ryan Boyle sat out with a slightly separated shoulder. Good news for New Jersey fans, but the rest of the attack stepped up with Mike Springer going 2,1, and BJ Prager and Jed Prossner contributing hat tricks.

Up next, Philadelphia heads west to play the expansion Chicago Machine, who are still fighting for their first victory. The Barrage are looking to move to 4-0. As for New Jersey, they look to get back to their winning ways when the Baltimore Bayhawks travel up next weekend. The Bayhawks want to improve on their 1-2 record.