Getting back in winning form was key for the D.C. Breeze over the weekend. With the 23-20 win over the Montreal Royal, the Breeze are now in a tie with the Toronto Rush for first in the East. Due to a tie in head-to-head record (1-1) and the Breeze’s point differential, the Breeze lead the division.
In this win, the Breeze (4-2) had some old (and new) faces on track. Early on Tyler Monroe and Max Cassell have been the new stars for the team. Throughout the season so far, Alan Kolick and Chuck Cantone have been exactly what the team needed them to be: consistent. At this point in the season, though, the defense has yet to be the main factor. Every win has been more a result of a dominant offensive unit.
Against the Royal (3-4), the Breeze’s O-line (missing Kolick) was broken seven times. Fortunately the D-line got eight breaks in the first half. It was more than enough to give the team an edge at home, where the Breeze are now 4-0 on the year. Standing out for the defensive unit was one of the faces of the franchise, Rowan McDonnell. Providing six blocks and three assists, all on defensive points, the Eastern Connecticut State University grad propelled the team. He also had two goals in the game.
Six players had a perfect throwing mark in the game. Zach Norrbom, who was subbing in for Kolick, was 15/15 in his season debut. Alexander Taylor was 12/12, they only other perfect passer on the night with double digit completions.
Goals were fairly evenly distributed throughout the contest. Joe Richards and Cassell had a team-high four scores each, and right behind was Jeff Wodatch with three. With a career-high five assists, Lloyd Blake was the top handler with 38/41 throwing in the game.
Ten separate players recorded a block, and the team had 17 in the game overall.
Complete Breeze vs. Royal stats
Breeze Top 5 Performers of The Game:
Rowan McDonnell: 2 goals, 3 assists, 6 blocks, 19/22 throws (+8)
-Leads the team in blocks (11), leads the team in +/- (28)
Lloyd Blake: 5 assists, 3 blocks, 38/41 throws (+5)
-Leads the team in completion percentage with 100+ throws (96%), tied for second in blocks (8), third in assists (13)
Tyler Monroe: 1 goal, 3 assists, 1 block, 17/19 throws (+2)
-Tied for lead in assists (15), Second in goals (15)
Max Cassell: 4 goals, 3 assists, 1 block, 15/16 throws (+7)
-Leads the team in goals (16), tied for second in +/- (22)
Chuck Cantone: 1 goal, 2 assists, 1 block, 9/9 throws (+4)
-Tied for second in +/- (22)
The team will be back on the road to end the month of May. Facing the New York Empire for the second time this year this Saturday at 1pm, the team has the chance to win a critical season series. The Empire have been a disappointing 2-2 at home, and are now 2-3 overall. New York’s wins have been over the Royal and the Philadelphia Phoenix.