Feb. 19, 2008

from press releases and staff reports

CARY, N.C. -

Major League Lacrosse, which has overtaken operation of the two-time defending MLL champion Philadelphia Barrage, announced Tuesday that the team's June 21 game against the Rochester Rattlers will take place in Cary, N.C.

In conjunction with Triangle Professional Sports, LLC, and the Carolina RailHawks, the MLL will hold the game at Cary's WakeMed Soccer Park, marking the league's first foray into North Carolina.

"We are excited to be able to present a Major League Lacrosse game to Triangle fans," said Carolina RailHawks President and GM Chris Economides. "We are grateful to Major League Lacrosse and Commissioner [David] Gross for agreeing to bring this growing sport to one of the most beautiful facilities in the country."

The MLL assumed control of the Barrage, after the team's previous stops in Bridgeport, Conn., and Philadelphia, due to the organization's inability to reach a new ownership agreement for 2008. The Barrage is the league's first repeat and three-time champion.

At 9-3, the Rochester Rattlers finished the 2007 season tied with two other teams for the league's best record. Rochester narrowly missed an opportunity to play Philadelphia for last year's championship after a 15-14 loss to the Los Angeles Riptide in the semifinals.

"I wish to thank Chris Economides and the RailHawks for providing us the opportunity to showcase Major League Lacrosse in this area," Gross said. "Fans should expect an exciting matchup, as the Barrage and the Rattlers are two of the very best teams in the league. There will be a lot of great lacrosse talent on display on June 21."