JULY 13, 2023
By Ryan Maloney

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Get ready for a divisional matchup as the DC Breeze (7-3) and the Philadelphia Phoenix (5-5) collide Saturday night in Philadelphia, marking the final road game of the regular season for DC. The Phoenix are currently fighting for their playoff lives, and the Breeze will have the unique opportunity to throw water on the Hotbirds and eliminate them from playoff contention with a win. DC, winners in four of their last five games, will also secure home field advantage in the first round of the East Division playoffs by defeating the Phoenix and hope to use the game to continue to build momentum toward the 2023 postseason. Despite starting the season 0-4, Philadelphia rallied with five consecutive victories before stumbling in a crucial and riveting game against the Boston Glory last weekend.

Last week's battle against the Glory proved to be a pivotal moment for the Breeze, as the team secured the seventh-straight playoff berth for the franchise with a 22-15 victory. Throughout the season, the Breeze have displayed great consistency, with their only defeats coming from narrow losses against the undefeated New York Empire (9-0) and South Division's Carolina Flyers (6-3). The Breeze's D-line has been instrumental in turning defensive plays into offensive opportunities in wins. Notably, Joe Merrill showcased his dominance defensively with an impressive four blocks and one goal over Boston.

Despite Boston casting a shadow on Philadelphia's playoff aspirations after last week, the Phoenix will ignite the field with determination on their home turf this Saturday night. Keep an eye on James Pollard, a standout player for the Phoenix, who has amassed an impressive total of 32 goals and 22 assists this season. In their recent face-off against Boston, Pollard's stellar performance saw him net seven goals.

Mark your calendars for this matchup at the James Ramp Complex in Northeast Philadelphia, with the first pull scheduled for 7:00 PM. Expect a fiery divisional showdown that will set the stage for the upcoming playoffs.