The Boston Cannons are out for revenge. Last season they were the top team in the league, just to be upset by the fourth seeded Chesapeake Bayhawks in the semi finals. This time around.... well, nothing changes. The Cannons again take on the lowest seeded Bayhawks, but this time they won't look at the reigning champions lightly. Chesapeake finished the season at 6-6, one game better than the Long Island Lizards who missed Championship Weekend.
The Cannons defeated Chesapeake in both matches this season, a season where Boston lost only three games (to Denver, Long Island and Hamilton). Chesapeake had an injury riddled season, one where they lost star goaltender Chris Garrity for most of the season. In his place, Brian Phipps became an all star and led the Hawks to some key victories.
Speaking of goalies, the Cannons sport Jordan Burke, a first year starting goaltender who was second in MLL with a 10.60 goals against average. Burke came in the second game of the season against Denver, a game where former goaltender of the year Kip Turner was struggling. Burke played so good that head coach Bill Daye had to keep playing him.
The Cannons have the best offense in this game with offensive player of the year Paul Rabil, 2010 MVP Matt Poskay and sophomore star Max Quinzani. That big three is surrounded by Boston lacrosse star Kevin Buchanan, Brad Ross and American lacrosse hero Ryan Boyle.
The Bayhawks have their share of good players, including leading scorer Danny Glading and last year's playoff hero Ben Hunt. However, the Cannons offense is superior so like last season, they will have to hope Garrity stands on his head.
While this is all said, remember that the Bayhawks upset the Cannons last year with the odds just as bad. The Bayhawks won their first championship since 2005 the next day, however the Cannons have never won even though they were an inaugural team in 2001.
Who will win this game? I will say the Cannons come up with the victory, but you never know in MLL!