With the Western Conference title sewn up, the Denver Outlaws approach the final game of the regular season, Saturday at Los Angeles, with mixed intentions.
They aim to prepare for Major League Lacrosse championship weekend without suffering new injuries or aggravating old ones.
“It’s obviously a fine line you walk,” Outlaws coach Jarred Testa said. “We want to win this game and try to finish 10-2, which would tie for the best record in league history. And more important, we’d go into the playoffs on a streak; that would be six wins in a row.”
The Outlaws (9-2) have not lost since June 24 (20-19 to the San Francisco Dragons). The Dragons are the only MLL team to defeat Denver, although the first-year Outlaws did not play Philadelphia (9-2) or Boston (8-3), the other MLL semifinalists. The semifinals are Aug. 25 in Los Angeles, with the championship Aug. 27.
San Francisco (6-5), Los Angeles (6-5) and New Jersey (5-6) are vying for the final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. San Francisco can claim it with a victory over winless Chicago and a Los Angeles loss.
Los Angeles, riding a four- game win streak, needs a victory over Denver and a San Francisco loss.
New Jersey must defeat Long Island, count on losses by San Francisco and Los Angeles and post a better goal differential than the Riptide.
“They have to watch the scoreboard, we don’t,” Testa said. “All we have to worry about is playing L.A., beating L.A. We’ll feel like we’re rolling and we won’t really care who we play. I think all four teams that make it there will have a chance to win it.”
Los Angeles is led by Andrew Combs, who posted five goals against San Francisco to earn MLL offensive player of the week honors. Fellow attackman Michael Watson, is tied for 10th in scoring with 36 points.
Testa plans lineup changes, but will not reveal them except for the absence of his brother, defender Brandon Testa. Since Brandon Testa is likely to miss championship weekend to attend to the birth of his first child, his replacement, Sean McCarthy will gain experience Saturday.
“We don’t expect any drop in play,” Jarred Testa said. “In fact, he’ll make our defense more athletic.”
Footnotes
Outlaws midfielder Mike Law, a Regis High School and University of Denver grad, graces the cover of Inside Lacrosse magazine. … Outlaws rookie attackman Matt Brown is a candidate for the league’s MVP award. The former DU standout leads the league with 37 goals. … The Outlaws boast five of the MLL’s top 15 scorers and lead the league with 184 goals, including a league-best 22 from the two- point line. … Midfielder Brian Langtry is likely to play Saturday after missing last weekend’s 17-13 win over Chicago because of a fractured knuckle bone. …
Former Colorado Academy standout Devon Wills was named to the 2006-07 U.S. Lacrosse women’s elite team. Caroline Cryer, a former Cherry Creek High School player, and Ann Leibovitz, formerly of Kent Denver, were named to the 2006-07 U.S. Lacrosse women’s developmental team.
