Dynamic midfielder Matt Mackrides totaled a career-high seven points on four goals and three assists as the Chesapeake Bayhawks picked up a valuable road victory, 15-11, over the Florida Launch on a hot, steamy day at FAU Stadium.
Mackrides had the hot hand all day and scored off crank shots, individual dodges and inside looks in being named the Coca-Cola Player of the Game. The Penn State product is in his fourth season with the Bayhawks.
“I was just trying to put myself in good position to score when I was off-ball. Whenever I was initiating, I kept my head up and tried to find the open man,” Mackrides said. “I thought as a team we were extremely organized offensively and executed really well.”
Attackman Ben Rubeor had his second straight superb shooting day in scoring two goals for Chesapeake (2-0), which dug deep down the stretch in 94 degree temperatures. Crease attackman Jack Rice also contributed two goals while veteran midfielder Matt Striebel totaled a goal and two assists.
“It was a hard-fought game and I thought our guys showed a lot of toughness and heart,” Chesapeake head coach Dave Cottle said. “As a team, we really battled today. We played like we cared about each other and we are ecstatic to be 2-0 at this point.”
It was an overpowering performance by the Chesapeake close defense against one of the most dangerous attack units in Major League Lacrosse. Nicky Polanco held reigning Offensive Player of the Year Casey Powell to one goal. Powell scored his team’s first goal and was not heard from again as Polanco smothered the crafty veteran.
Meanwhile, rookie defender Chris Hipps held crease attackman Kevin Cunningham scoreless for the second straight game. Jesse Bernhardt made his season debut and did a good job of containing Kieran McArdle as the defense made things easier on goalie Tyler Fiorito (10 saves).
“I thought our defense was outstanding. Nicky did a great job on Casey Powell and Chris Hipps took his man out of the game for the second straight week,” Cottle said. “Tyler Fiorito is giving us very solid goaltending.”
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