Lelan Rogers picked up the first professional win of his lacrosse coaching career over the weekend.
Rogers Guides Machine to First Win in Franchise History
6/4/2007 12:17:52 PM | Men's Lacrosse
CHICAGO, Ill. – Syracuse Director of Lacrosse Operations Lelan Rogers piloted the Chicago Machine of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) to a 19-17 victory against defending Western Conference champion Denver on June 2. It was the first professional win for Rogers, who is in his first year as the Machine’s head coach, and the first triumph in the history of the franchise.
“The best part about it was that we never gave up,” Rogers said after the game. “We were five goals down, and we pecked our way back. The sign of a good team is to be able to make up that deficit. The guys played great. Everyone played their hearts out.”
The Outlaws led 13-8 at the half, but the Machine outscored Denver 11-4 in the second half to record the victory. Athan Iannucci tallied seven points to lead the Machine, including three scores in the final four minutes to put Chicago in front for good. Pat Heim, the No. 1 overall pick in last week’s MLL Draft, scored four goals in his professional lacrosse debut to help spark the comeback.
Rogers also got a contribution from former SU standout Steve Panarelli against the Outlaws. Panarelli was selected by Chicago in the third round of last week’s draft. He made his first professional appearance against Denver and scooped up a groundball.
The Machine has 10 games remaining in its inaugural regular season.
Rogers just completed his second season as the Orange's Director of Lacrosse Operations. In that position, Rogers handles various administrative duties including team scheduling and travel, compliance, development, and camps.
Bryan Blair | Gerry McNamara Welcome Event
Monday, March 30
John Wildhack | Gerry McNamara Welcome Event
Monday, March 30
J. Michael Haynie | Gerry McNamara Welcome Event
Monday, March 30
Jim Boeheim | Gerry McNamara Welcome Event
Monday, March 30
