GAME PREVIEW

It’s been over 18 months since the National Lacrosse League announced there would be two expansion teams joining the league for the 2018-19 season. And tonight, the expansion San Diego Seals and Philadelphia Wings meet for the first time at Pechanga Arena San Diego at 7:00 PM PST.

The San Diego Seals (6-4) and the Philadelphia Wings (2-9) will feature opposition dating back to 2018 NLL Finals when the two faced-off for a ceremonial coin toss. Between expansion and drafts, the two will take the competition to the floor for the first time on Saturday night.

“I think we need to focus on ourselves,” said Seals forward Kyle Buchanan. “We need to bring the energy we have the past couple games. I think as a group we understand that if we focus on ourselves the rest will take care of itself. “

Veteran forward Dan Dawson will hit the turf on Saturday night with a chance at history. With one assist, Dawson will stand alone in third place in the National Lacrosse League record book in career assists. As Dawson and the team head into the stretch, the focus is directed towards mindset and attitude.

“We know the storyline heading into the game,” said Dawson. “It’s Philadelphia and they’re the other expansion team. It doesn’t matter to us. The expectation we have in our dressing room is that we perform to our level every single night regardless of who we’re playing and regardless of the situation. That’s a championship mindset.”

San Diego is currently tied for first place in the West Division. The Seals two-game win streak is highlighted by goaltender Frank Scigliano, who currently leads the NLL in save percentage.

“It’s gonna be huge for us to ge the win in our home barn,” continued Dawson. “I look forward to keeping the streak alive.”

Support local charities and the Seals’ community relations initiatives by bidding on the team’s game-worn jerseys and shorts from this Saturday’s match-up against the Philadelphia Wings. Feeling lucky? Download the Live Source app on iOS or Android and bid to win items from the team that’s tied atop the West Division standings. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration theme jerseys and shorts are in auction through the end of halftime of the game.