Throughout the off-season there was high anticipation for the DC Breeze to contend with the Toronto Rush for the East Division title. A season removed from four thrilling contests between the squads, perhaps it was now only a matter of time before they caught the Rush. And with another crop of the best players from the DMV joining the Breeze for 2017, it was primed to be a thrilling start to the year as Toronto came down to DC to launch the Breeze season. But no one expected the dominating performance the Breeze would display in their first game, one that resulted in a 32-21 win over the four-time Division champs.
The 11 point loss was the largest margin in the Rush’s team history, and now the tone is set for the remainder of the 2017 season. With the New York Empire stronger and also clearly in the mix, it is sure to be a battle for the top spot among at least these three squads.
Leading the way for the Breeze were two returners in Tyler Monroe and Max Cassell who were not the typical stars for the squad last year. If these two young players can continue to be a factor like they were April 9, it will give the team key extra depth and allow head coach Darryl Stanley to be flexible with his lines.
The Breeze offense was simply unstoppable in the opener, converting on 91 percent of the points they started with only two breaks against. Defensively the team was able to get 16 blocks on a historically strong Toronto offense. In total the Breeze completed 95 percent of their passes and suffered only 15 turnovers in the entire contest.
Full Breeze goal/assist display vs. Rush
Complete Breeze stats from Game 1
Breeze Top 5 Performers:
Tyler Monroe: 7 goals, 4 assists, 1 block, 12/13 throws (+11)
Max Cassell: 4 goals, 4 assists, 20/21 throws (+7)
Alan Kolick: 3 goals, 5 assists, 17/18 throws (+7)
Lloyd Blake: 3 assists, 24/24 throws (+3)
-Team converted on all 18 O points he played
Chuck Cantone: 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 9/9 throws (+6)
—
The next game for the D.C. Breeze will be this Saturday, April 22 in Raleigh as part as the AUDL Cross-Country Challenge. First pull for the historic matchup is scheduled for 7:00 pm, and the game is available via this streaming package.
The Breeze’s next home game is April 29 at 6:30 pm as the team faces off against the Ottawa Outlaws. Buy Tickets