The Denver Outlaws (9-4) clinched their 11th postseason berth and a home playoff game after defeating the Chesapeake Bayhawks (6-7) 12-11 in an overtime thriller on Thursday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Denver has secured a top-two finish in the standings with one game remaining in the regular season and will host a playoff game at the University of Denver’s Peter Barton Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 12 (2:30 MDT).
The Outlaws have advanced to the playoffs in 11 of 12 seasons of existence, matching the Boston Cannons for the most postseason appearances in Major League Lacrosse history. Four teams make the postseason and the top two finishing teams in MLL host a playoff game.
“Our goal as an organization remains the same each season—win the MLL Championship,” Senior Director of Team/Business Operations Ted Tseng said. “Qualifying for the playoffs is the first step towards that objective and we are certainly excited to host a playoff game in Denver in front of our great fans.”
Attackman Eric Law scored the overtime game-winner and finished the game with four points. Midfielders Romar Dennis and Wes Berg each netted hat tricks while midfielder Zach Currier recorded three points (two goals, one assist). Goalie Jack Kelly set a new career-high with 24 saves.
Denver opened the game on a 6-3 scoring run but went on a subsequent 29-minute scoring drought—the longest such drought this season. After trading goals throughout the fourth quarter, Chesapeake tied the game at 11 with six seconds left in regulation.
On the Outlaws’ second offensive possession of overtime, Law netted the game-winner off an assist from fellow attackman Ryan Ambler.