Ryan Baker, Journalist
The start of the home stretch has begun for the Madison Radicals. This weekend, on July 6, the Radicals will host the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds at Breese Stevens Field for their first of a three- game home stand to conclude the season.
With the Radicals currently sitting at third in the Central Division, a tiebreaker behind the Chicago Union, and just ahead of the Thunderbirds and Indianapolis AlleyCats, this one feels like a must-win. Despite a nine-point win in their season opener earlier in the year, head coach Tim DeByl knows that this game will be much closer.
“The team that we played at the beginning of the year is not the same team that we're going to see this weekend. I think they've gotten a lot better. They've changed their lineups. They're playing a lot smarter. We expect them to put up a real fight this weekend,” said DeByl.
The Thunderbirds are a team that has looked all over the place this year. They’ve had some headline wins this season: they spoiled the Minnesota Wind Chill’s home opener, boasted a five-point win over the Union, and have an eight-point win over Indy. On the flip side, they are a team that gave the Detroit Mechanix their first win in years.
“They are a team that's beaten Chicago, beaten Minnesota, and beaten Indy. We haven't done those things, so I think we should be very wary of them,” said DeByl.
The good thing for the Radicals is that they are coming off one of their best offensive performances of the year, despite losing to the AlleyCats. Also, the team looks to be near full strength. Sam Stark returned last week. Max Sample is back in full swing. The only player that is still sidelined is Brian Hart.
The Radicals are hoping that their healthy squad can reclaim the idea that Breese Stevens Field is one of the hardest stadiums in which to play around the league. In the last three seasons, the Radicals are just 6-9 at home, but are hoping that this last three-game home stretch can turn the tides.
“We haven't felt great about our play at Breese. For us, it's about reclaiming that home field advantage,” said DeByl.
While there may be added pressure to win this week, especially with the loss last week, there are some franchise records to keep an eye on. Andrew Meshnick and Anthony Gutowsky both have chances to cement their names in the renowned Radicals history book.
Meshnick is one goal away from being the sole owner of career regular season goals. He is currently tied with Colin Camp at the 150 mark. Gutowsky is three goals away from breaking the single season franchise record for goals in a season, which also is currently held by Camp from 2017 with 39 goals. Undoubtedly, given health doesn’t play a factor, both will secure those records by the end of the season. It’ll just be a matter of what game.
With a win and some help from around the league, the Radicals can place themselves in a great position for the remaining two weeks of the season. However, with a loss, pressure for the last two weeks will increase tenfold.
To watch the game between the Radicals and Thunderbirds this Saturday night at 6 p.m. CDT, click here!
To purchase tickets to family night, click here!
