Machine Opener
May 16, 2007 - The Chicago Machine begin their second season of Major League Lacrosse at 7 p.m. Saturday under the bright lights of Toyota Park, as the Los Angeles Riptide roll into Bridgeview. The Machine search for redemption after last summer’s 0-12 record cast a pall over the excitement of an inaugural season. But while the 2006 campaign may have been marred by bad bounces and tough luck, the team showed flashes of brilliance, and hope springs eternal come Saturday night.
The Riptide posted a solid 6-6 record last season, good enough for a third-place finish in the Western Conference. Led by attackman Michael Watson, who scored 40 points in 2006 (27G, 13A), and midfield sniper Sean Lindsay (24G, 8A), the Riptide offense is certainly potent, and they will look to score early and often this weekend.
But it would be a big mistake for the boys from L.A. to saunter into town expecting an easy victory. The Machine can score too, with a first-rate attack unit highlighted by Kevin Leveille (27 G, 4 A) and Sean Morris (16 G, 15 A), the team leaders in points last season at 31 apiece. Newcomer Athan Ianucci is also a natural goal-scorer; he’s fresh off a breakout season with the NLL’s Philadelphia Wings (and, after shooting on tiny indoor goals all winter long, should feel like he’s picking corners on a garage door). This team packs a punch from midfield as well, as long-range specialists Doug Shanahan (15 G, 4 two-point G, 1A) and Chris Malone (12 G, 2 two-point G, 5 A) look to continue their scoring ways after outstanding ’06 seasons. With great attackmen running the show and deadly middies lurking on the perimeter, the Machine offense plans on giving the Riptide a rude welcome.
On the other side of the field, lockdown defenseman Mike Culver leads a strong long-pole corps against L.A.’s high-powered offense. From the looks of things, the match-up should be epic. But the Machine are ready. Culver knows that the Riptide midfielders can light up the scoreboard, and their attack can cause a lot of problems too. The Machine defense needs to pay particular attention to Watson.
“Michael [Watson] is their quarterback,” Culver says. “Limiting his touches as much as possible is crucial.”
Machine goalie Mike Gabel will also have to stand tall on Saturday. Although the defense is determined to prevent the Riptide from getting open looks, he will undoubtedly be tested at some point. But with one season of Major League Lacrosse already under his belt, Gabel will be up to the challenge.
Saturday also marks the first lacrosse game ever held in the Machine’s new home, Toyota Park, and the team is looking forward to playing at a larger, more fan-friendly facility. Culver says that the natural grass is what he likes most about Toyota Park (Benedictine University, the team’s original home turf, was artificial); and of course the fact that it sits 20,000 people.
As game day approaches, the excitement mounts, and last season’s dismal record can easily be forgotten with a win over the Los Angeles Riptide. The players and coaching staff are certainly ready for a new year, some new faces, but most importantly, a clean slate. And so it begins May 19, under the bright lights on a Saturday night in Bridgeview.
“I’m looking forward to the event itself,” Culver says, “from on the field to all of the spectacular additions we have going on.”