DENVER OUTLAWS QUOTES (6/8)
Head Coach Jim Stagnitta
On the momentum that handing the Nationals their first defeat gives the Outlaws going into the rest of the season
“We’ve been pretty consistent. It was a big game. [The team] prepared hard the night before the game. These guys are pretty focused. They’re on a mission. They want to get back to that championship game, and they want to bring a championship back here. Every game is important to them, and certainly winning six in a row is a big accomplishment at this point, and our goal is to get to nine as quickly as we can and solidify ourselves in the playoffs.”
On how Anthony Kelly’s 7-of-7 performance in the first quarter set the tone early
“It got us possessions. It allowed us to jump out and get some separation early. I actually felt like the faceoffs that he won when we were man down and his ability to get us possessions back during that period of time kind of allowed us to maintain at halftime. We had made some stupid mistakes and shot ourselves in the foot, and it felt like Anthony bailed us out. All day he gave us possession and kept the ball out of very good offensive hands.”
On the play of rookies Eric Law and Brian Megill in the first game of their professional careers
“Terrific. We came out of halftime and were reeling a little bit. Again, we had made some mistakes before the half that let them back in the game. We started Eric in the second half, and he finished a couple in a row, gave us that separation again, and we were able to keep that lead. For a guy in his first game, both him and Brian were terrific tonight.”
Midfielder Anthony Kelly
On the Outlaws’ strengths on both ends of the field that led them to this win
“We’re just kind of firing on all cylinders right now. Our offense is clicking and playing well together and taking advantage of man-up opportunities. Our defense is locking down. Anytime we hold a team under 10 is awesome. Defense is doing their job, offense is doing their job, it’s a fun time to be playing around.”
On how his 7-for-7 performance at the faceoff X in the first quarter set the tone early
“I have a specific job. I think one of the strengths of this team is that guys know what their roles are, and it’s just about going out and executing. My job is to go get us the ball, and anytime I can start us off with a couple in a row—I always put a lot of pressure on myself to win that first one to get us started—and anytime I can answer it and luckily get seven in a row, it’s a big day for us.”
On the role of unselfish play in the win
“When we’re moving the ball and making the extra pass, our team is at its best. It’s fun watching the ball move around. Guys never play selfishly. It seems like guys would rather make the extra pass than shoot it themselves. It’s exciting. It’s how you win championships—playing like a team.”
On the momentum that the victory against Hamilton gives Denver heading into the rest of the season
“It’s huge. In all my time I can’t remember a team going 6-0 to start the season. It’s a great step in the right direction. It’s a step for us to go to that next level and continue moving forward, and hopefully we stay at that No. 1 spot the rest of the way.”
Eric Law (Player of the Game)
On the significance of June 8, which marked his graduation from the University of Denver and his successful MLL debut
“To start off, it’s just awesome to graduate from the University of Denver. It was so much fun being there with all my family, town, and college teammates. Being with all those guys this morning and being able to transition tonight and these guys take me under their wing I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity that they give me. It was just so much fun.”
On how he felt in his MLL debut
“It’s fun. I really enjoy the game. It’s really fast-paced, and I love the nonstop up-and-down. As an offensive player, I can’t help but love it.”
On playing for his home team as a Centennial, Colo. native
“Unbelievable. Coming here to Mile High where the Broncos play—they are my favorite team, and I was born a fan watching people here all the time—to be able to get the opportunity to play here from GM Tony Seaman and Coach is unbelievable and a lifelong dream come true for sure.”
On the significance of the Outlaws’ win against the Nationals
“I think [this game] was important because it was the next one. Now we’re 6-0, and our next important game is Chesapeake, so we’re going to be focused on that for the next week, and hopefully we can build off this. I thought we played two great halves—our defense played great, and we had a great goalie in place—so hopefully we can build off this and keep it going.”