Despite being outscored 10-5 in the second half, the Outlaws pulled out a victory over the Florida Launch in their first game of the 2014 MLL season.
The Outlaws came out of the gate hot, scoring the first six goals of the game. The new Florida team lagged on defense, despite solid play from their goalie Brett Queener. The Launch finally got on the board in the second quarter, but it would be the only goal for them in the first half. Denver ended the second half with a two point goal from Jeremy Sieverts, his second goal of the game, and went into the locker room with an 11-1 lead.
The Launch replaced Queener in the second half with former Outlaw Adam Fullerton. Florida came out re-energized and scored a quick two point goal, followed by 4 others. Meanwhile, Denver was held scoreless in the third quarter and their lead was cut to 4 with a score of 11-7.
The Launch continued their assault on the Outlaws in the fourth quarter with goals from Casey Powell and Brett Scalley to cut the lead to just 2. However, the Outlaws answered back with three straight goals from Eric Law, Justin Pennington and Chris Bocklet to give the Outlaws a five goal advantage. Powell scored one more for the Launch to cut the lead to 14-10, but a couple of huge saves by Outlaws goalie Jesse Schwartzman sealed the deal for the Outlaws, who extend their regular season win streak to 21.
The Outlaws open their home season next Sunday, May 4, 3 p.m., at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Tickets start at just $12 and can be purchased here or at the stadium box office.