Eight days after beating the Ohio Machine on their home turf, 13-11, the Denver Outlaws had the favor returned to them at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
The Outlaws (8-4) dropped a thrilling 13-12 decision to the Machine (8-4) in a matchup of Major League Lacrosse’s top two teams in front of more than 7,000 fans on Sunday. The Outlaws return to action on Thursday (12 p.m. faceoff) at home against the Chesapeake Bayhawks with a chance to clinch a postseason berth.
Attackman Eric Law matched his career high with five goals to lead all scorers. Attackmen Mike Bocklet and Ryan Ambler added a hat trick while midfielder Zach Currier chipped in four assists.
Faceoff specialist Tommy Kelly set an Outlaws record by winning 89.2 pct. (25-of-28) of faceoffs while adding eight ground balls. Rookie defenseman Larken Kemp contributed six ground balls.
Denver raced out to a 5-2 lead before Ohio responded with three early second-quarter goals. The teams headed into the halftime break tied 8-8, highlighted by Law and Ambler’s first-half hat tricks.
Ohio opened the second half with three consecutive tallies as Law ended the run with his fourth of the game with more than 10 minutes remaining in the quarter. Neither team was able to put one in the net the rest of the quarter as the Outlaws entered the fourth quarter trailing 11-9.
Denver opened the final frame with three consecutive goals to take a 12-11 lead before Ohio rattled off a pair of goals with less than three minutes remaining to provide the final 13-12 margin.
Featured Image Credit: Denver Outlaws