“Starting the season strong was one of our goals,” said Scott Hiller, Cannons Head Coach. “I think all four games have demonstrated what kind of heart and effort our team brings to the table. However, I’ve said this every week, we still have not played our best lacrosse and we are not content to just start the season well. There are still a number of areas we need to improve upon.”

Saturday’s game will be the final time this season Boston plays American Division rival Long Island. The Cannons have won the first two meetings against the Lizards in 2004, but Boston has never swept the season series against the 2001 and 2003 MLL Champions. The Lizards have a one game edge in the all-time series, 7-6. Boston, however, has gained control of the series in recent meetings. Beginning in 2002 and continuing into this season, the Cannons are 6 and 3 against the Lizards, 6 and 2 in the regular season. Despite their recent success against Long Island, the Cannons have finished second to the Lizards in the American Division standings in each of the past three seasons.

“There is obviously a rivalry there,” said Hiller, a Long Island native. “It always exists between New York and Boston sports teams. I think Long Island will come out gunning for us Saturday. They have a lot of pride and will want this game. So do we. I think that will make for a very competitive and entertaining game Saturday.”

David Evans and Conor Gill each recorded five points in Saturday’s game against Long Island. Evans scored four goals and registered one assist. Gill increased his MLL assists lead by dishing our three to go along with two goals. Mike Battista had four points with Kevin Leveille and Michael Watson chipping in with three apiece. Evans was named the game’s Bud Light MVP.

“We showed a lot of composure in this game,” said Evans. “We were up early then they came back and were in front in the third and fourth. We didn’t panic. That was important; we stayed within ourselves and played well down the stretch.”

Saturday’s game begins a stretch of three straight home games for the Cannons at Nickerson Field. After hosting Long Island on 6/19, the Cannons play New Jersey at Nickerson on 6/26 and Philadelphia at home on 7/10. All three games are Saturday nights at 7:00PM.

This Saturday’s game begins at 7:00PM with coverage on the Boston Cannons Web Radio Network Presented by New Balance starting at 6:45PM. Members of the media planning to attend Saturday’s game should contact Jason Chandler (617-746-9933) before noon on Friday to secure credentials and parking. The Cannons will provide media outlets with a complete post game write-up immediately following the game’s conclusion.

NOTE: The Cannons will practice this Friday June 18 from 8:00PM-10:00PM at Malden Catholic High School (not Nickerson Field).

Cannons Game Five Notes:

The Cannons matched the best start in MLL history by moving to 4 and 0… The previous best start in Cannons history had been 2 and 0, done in 2002 and 2003… Boston is undefeated at their new home, Nickerson Field. The Cannons are 2 and 0 at Nickerson… Saturday’s game is the 3rd and final regular season meeting of 2004 between Boston and LI. The Cannons have never swept the season series against the Lizards… The Cannons currently have four MLL leaders. Conor Gill leads the MLL in assists with 13. Mike Battista is tied for the MLL lead in two-point goals with 3. Kevin Leveille is tied for the top spot in power play goals with 4, while Chris Garrity leads MLL goalies in the wins category with 4… The Cannons are tops in the MLL in four offensive categories. Boston leads the league in goals scored (tie), two-point goals, assists and power play goals (tie)… Steve Dusseau scored his first career two-point goal on 6/12 against Long Island… Battista registered his third two-pointer of the season, extending his career season high… Gill has recorded at least 5 points in all four Cannons games this season (5, 6, 7, and 5 respectively)