The Denver Outlaws (7-2) defeated the Atlanta Blaze (4-6) 24-12 in the annual Mile High Fourth of July game in front of more than 26,000 fans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Tuesday. The Outlaws put on a show in front of the largest Major League Lacrosse crowd of the season, highlighted by a full-field, time-expiring goal by goalie Jack Kelly in the third quarter.
Here is Jack Kelly's unbelievable full-field goal just before time expired in case you didn't see it earlier! pic.twitter.com/0JZIggmbo5
— Denver Outlaws (@DenverOutlaws) July 5, 2017
Denver’s 24 goals represented the first 20-goal effort in MLL this season and tied for the second-most in team history. With the victory, the Outlaws moved into sole possession of first place in MLL.
Attackman Mike Bocklet delivered one of the best performances in team history, netting six goals and finishing with eight points. Mike Bocklet’s offensive totals ranked tied for second and third in a single game, respectively, in team history.
Midfielder Wes Berg tallied his third hat trick of the season while Outlaw’s leading-scorer Matt Kavanagh chipped in five points (2 goals, 3 assists). Attackman Eric Law contributed a four-point effort (2 goals, 2 assists) as 13 Outlaws registered at least one point.
The Outlaws dominated time of possession and outshot the Blaze 42-19 behind faceoff specialist Tom Kelly’s 22 wins in the circle (70.1 pct.). The team was equally as effective on the defensive end, racking up 39 ground balls.
Denver faced an early 3-1 deficit but answered with a 13-2 scoring run—including a span of eight consecutive goals in the second quarter—to take a 15-6 lead into the halftime break. The Blaze opened the second half on a 4-0 run, but had all momentum halted with Jack Kelly’s two-point goal as time expired in the third.
The Outlaws would continue the onslaught in the fourth quarter, outscoring Atlanta 7-3 in the final frame.
Featuring Colorado’s premier fireworks show postgame, the Mile High Fourth of July, presented by Xcel Energy, offered a unique, close-proximity experience with fireworks launched from inside the stadium bowl. Produced by world-renowned Zambelli Fireworks, the pyrotechnics were paired with a music video tribute on the stadium’s massive 220-foot-long by 40-foot-high ThunderVision screen.
The event also featured a live performance by the Colorado Symphony, as well as a jump by Team Thunderstorm—the official parachute team of the Denver Broncos.
The Outlaws return to action on Saturday, July 15, against the Ohio Machine in Obetz, Ohio.
Featured Image Credit: Major League Lacrosse, Pretty Instant