Lizards on brink of playoff berth after win in Dallas

The New York Lizards have been an extremely frustrating team to watch this season. Some games they look like the best team in Major League Lacrosse and some games they look like they’ve never played a lacrosse game before. Whether it be the big personalities, the “there’s only one ball” mentality or the lack of discipline in the defensive zone, the Lizards should be better than they are. However, despite all the criticism they’re just one win away from clinching a playoff berth.

The Lizards defeated the Dallas Rattlers 13-12 at The Star in Dallas. The Lizards went down 4-0 quick and all hope looked to be lost by the mid-point of the first quarter. However Paul Rabil, JoJo Marasco, Troy Reh and Kyle Hartzell were able to tie it up in the first. It was Reh’s first career goal and surprising considering two of the ‘Zards long poles scored.

The Rattlers scored two more goals to make it 6-5 at the end of the second quarter. There was a bit of a drought in the second quarter but Ty Thompson scored and Dallas eventually led 8-6 at the half. The Lizards’ season was hanging in the balance at halftime and they showed up to play in the third quarter.

Dallas scored the first two but Rob Pannell and Jake Bernhardt answered right back to keep it at 10-8. Rob Pannell scored a goal to limit it to one goal and Kyle Hartzell, the stud defenseman, scored again. Dallas scored again to make it an 11-10 game going into the fourth.

Kevin Unterstein tied the game up at 11 and Paul Rabil gave the Lizards the lead in the final quarter. Ty Thompson tied the game up again but rookie Joel Tinney put the team on his back and scored the game winning goal. Drew Adams was excellent throughout the game and came up with clutch saves all night. He was rewarded for his great month with a Defensive Player of the Week award.

The Lizards escaped with a victory against the best team in the MLL and is in a win and in situation. Atlanta and Denver play each other so the winner of that game will make the playoffs. If the Lizards can defeat the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Hofstra on Saturday, August 4th they will be in the playoffs and have a chance to win their second championship in four years. The game starts at 7 PM and there will be plenty of pre-game festivities so come on down and support the Lizards.