Outlaws Wrangle Riptide, Playoffs Next

Jeff Zywicki scored three consecutive goals in the final quarter to propel the Outlaws (10-2) to a 13-9 victory over the Los Angeles Riptide (6-6) Saturday night at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Zywicki’s performance earned the newest Outlaw MVP honors as his four-goal game (4-0--4) helped Denver to complete its inaugural regular season with a league-tying best 10-2 record.

Denver held a slim lead heading into the final stanza. Sean Lindsay’s two-point shot just over two minutes into the final quarter tied the game at 9-9 as the Riptide looked to ride the hometown support. However Zywicki netted the next three goals followed by Josh Sims’ (1-1--2) lone score of the night as Denver closed out the game – extending its season-high winning streak to six games. The Outlaws also completed the 2006 schedule with an undefeated road record (6-0).

Matt Rewkowski’s goal and three assists (1-3--4) tied him with Zywicki for the team lead in points with four, while Hunter Lochte added a pair of scores and an assist (2-1--3). Trevor Tierney was tough in the pipes as he stopped 20-of-28 shots-on-goal.

Michael Watson led Los Angeles with a duo of goals and assists, while Anthony Kelly won 20-of-25 face-offs. The loss eliminated the Riptide from playoff contention.

The Outlaws return to the L.A.-area on Aug. 25 for the New Balance Championship Weekend. Denver’s win, coupled with San Francisco’s 16-15 nail-bitter over Chicago, clinches the final playoff spot for the Dragons. The Philadelphia Barrage and Boston Cannons complete the four-team title tournament.