All-Star Spallina Named Defensive Player of Week 12

By Brian Coughlin |  8/9/10 5:00 PM

While much of the talk in Long Island has surrounded 10 year veteran Tim Goettelmann, that does not mean that the MLL has forgotten about Brian Spallina.  Spallina, the 10 year MLL veteran, produced one of his finest defensive performances as a member of the Lizards in Saturday's 13-7 victory over the Toronto Nationals.  Faced with the task of covering two-time MLL MVP John Grant, Jr., Spallina rose to the occasion, holding him to just two goals in the game and earning him the Week 12 Defensive Player honors. 

The Lizards went out and reacquired Spallina following the 2008 season, and so far he has not disappointed.  The MLL's All-Time Winningest Player (Member of 4 Championship Teams) has now led the Lizards to two straight championship weekend appearances since being brought back.  In Saturday's game against the Nationals, assistant coach Joe Spallina gave his brother, Brian, the task of covering the Nationals' star, Grant, Jr.  Entering the game, Grant, Jr. led Toronto with 33 points, having been their go-to option on their 2009 Championship team.  Spallina did not let this affect him in either match against Toronto in the final two weeks, as the Hofstra alum held Grant to just two goals in Week 12 and no goals in Week 11.  The Lizards won both matchups against the Nationals, securing their first winning record in 7 years. 

The addition of Brian Spallina to the defense appears to be the difference for the Lizards.  In Spallina's four years with the Lizards, they hold a record of 35-22, while they hold a mere 40-43 record in the 6 seasons without him.  While the Defensive Player of the Week Honors is a reward for his performance in Week 12, it is a true testament to his hardwork all season.  In a league where many players come and go, Spallina has stuck around for 10 years and hasn't regressed at all.  He has been the leader on a defense that has given up the fewest goals in the league in 2010 with 139.  While there is no official statistic in the MLL for caused turnovers, many would believe he would be among the league leaders, especially as the Lizards led the MLL in groundballs in 2010 with 361.  His defensive performance in Week 12 against John Grant and the Nationals was just another ordinary day on the job for Spallina, who truly is one of the best defenders to ever play in the league. 

The 7-5 Lizards will travel down to Annapolis for their semifinal matchup against Denver on August 21st, as part of MLL championship Weekend.  Come support Brian Spallina and the crew, as he looks for his 5th ring and the Lizards look for their 3rd Championship.  The game against Denver will be played at 3 PM EST. 

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