April 12, 2019
by Matt Rezin
What a week of close finishes we had in week one! Four of five games with a scoring differential under two. Hopefully week two will deliver similar excitement for fans watching watching on AUDL.tv.
Friday, April 12
San Jose Spiders at Los Angeles Aviators - 10:30 PM/ET
- Marcelo Sanchez (SJ) — In his first game back with his original AUDL franchise, Sanchez helped propel the Spiders offense to the biggest comeback in AUDL history. The Spiders offense used the returning Sanchez (2 assists, 5 goals) and Lior Givol (6 assists, 5 goals) to anchor their offense. With Givol unavailable in LA this weekend Sanchez will have to pick up the slack for the Spiders.
- Michael Kiyoi (LA) — A stable cog in the Aviators offense, Kiyoi got off to a strong start to his 2019 season. In a tough game on the road, Kiyoi lead his team in plus/minus with 4 goals and 2 assists, never turning the disc over.
Saturday, April 13
DC Breeze at New York Empire - 6:00 PM/ET
- Nathan Prior (DC) — Over his career Prior has seen heavy utilization in DC's handler corps, with per game numbers of ~20 points, ~38 completions and a 98% completion rate. Up against a tough first opponent of the season, the DC Breeze will have to be consistent and limit their errors to overcome the Empire this Saturday, Prior will be a crucial part of that effort.
- Matt Auletta (NY) — Entering his 6th season with the New York Empire, Matt Auletta returns to arguably the most talented roster he's played with in the AUDL. Auletta is one of a few experienced players on the team with over 1,000 AUDL completions. Infused with new talent this summer, the Empire will try to start off with a big win against the Breeze.
Dallas Roughnecks at Austin Sol - 7:00 PM/ET
- Carson Wilder (DAL) — Wilder has been a revelation as a downfield cutter with the Rougnecks, joining last season after starting his AUDL career in 2016 with the Sol. He returns to his old stomping grounds this weekend at the head of the Roughnecks powerful offense.
- Mick Walter (ATX) — While the Sol offense goes big with highlight plays, they need a strong defense to balance with that style of play. Walter has been an anchor for the Sol defense, getting turnovers then passing securely for his team.
Raleigh Flyers at Atlanta Hustle - 7:00 PM/ET
- Henry Fisher (RAL) — Did you hear about Henry Fisher? If you followed week 1 at all you probably have. In his first two games in the AUDL, Fisher put up 11 goals and used his size and speed to dominate the skies downfield. Good luck to the Hustle and their hometown supporters as they try to contain one of this year's most promising rookies.
- Taylor Minch (ATL) — In a tough week 1 battle against the Cannons, there weren't many bright spots for the Hustle, but Taylor Minch was one, leading the team with a plus/minus of 4 and finding his way into the endzone on both ends of the throw. Atlanta will need a huge effort and for leaders to stand up to take on the South this season, Minch could be one of those players who make a big impact.
San Jose Spiders at San Diego Growlers - 9:45 PM/ET
- Mark Philipson (SJ) — In Philipson's first game with the Spiders (and his first AUDL game since 2017) he was second in plus/minus and played a full game of 26 points without turning the disc over. San Jose's host of newly added talent is making a huge impact early in their 2019.
- Jonathan Helton (SD) — Eight years into his AUDL career, Goose Helton can make all of the plays, plays you wouldn't imagine making, last week he did this:
Sunday, April 14
Madison Radicals at Indianapolis AlleyCats - 6:00 PM/ET
- Kevin Pettit-Scantling (MAD) — The emotional leader of the reigning champions, Pettit-Scantling returns looking to repeat. Doing whatever the Radicals need him to for the win, his solid but not flashy numbers are a natural result of his example setting play for his Radicals teammates.
- Rick Gross (IND) — Gross has proven he is a perennial competitor in the AUDL MVP conversation. There aren't many players able to average roughly 4 goals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game. Over the past two seasons Gross has done that and at 25, he's got a lot of ultimate left to play.
