{
  "id": 4321394,
  "title": "Survive and advance: Outlaws hold on to beat Redwoods, punch semifinal ticket",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/survive-and-advance-outlaws-hold-on-to-beat-redwoods-punch-semifinal",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T01:21:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/survive-advance-outlaws-hold-beat-012158392.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Denver Outlaws showcased their resilience and determination in a thrilling quarterfinal victory over the California Redwoods. Despite the team's lack of experience playing a full game, they secured a 15-14 win. Head coach Tim Soudan emphasized the importance of this result, stating, \"It's win and advance at this point of the season.\"\n\nThe Outlaws' offensive prowess was evident in the first two-and-a-half quarters, with exceptional performances from key players. Quarterback Pat Kavanagh, who returned from injured reserve, led the team with four points, while Brennan O'Neill scored a hat trick to set the tone for the game. The Outlaws were on fire, tallying a season-high 12 goals in the first half.\n\nHowever, the momentum began to fade in the second half, coinciding with a goalie change from the Redwoods. Denver only managed three goals in the second half, with just one in the fourth quarter. Kavanagh attributed the team's struggles in the second half to cramping issues and noted that the Redwoods' backup goalie, Ryan Croddick, was particularly effective early on due to some poor shot placements.\n\nDefensively, the Outlaws were solid, but multiple late penalties threatened to derail their momentum. The Redwoods capitalized on these errors, scoring four power-play goals in the fourth quarter. JT Giles-Harris and Logan McNaney put up a strong defensive effort, while Chris Kavanagh managed to limit Dylan Molloy to six goals throughout the game.\n\nIn the end, it was veteran defenseman Mike Manley who secured the win for Denver, making crucial saves on the Redwoods' final attack. Soudan praised Manley's performance, stating, \"He had his hands full with the big boy Molloy today, and he answered at the end.\"\n\nWith this victory, the Outlaws have earned a spot in the semifinals, where they will face their Rocky Mountain rivals, the Utah Archers. The team is excited about this opportunity, as it marks their second Western Conference championship in as many years. Soudan expressed optimism, saying, \"Now the hope is the Outlaws can parlay the grind of Saturday's win into a second Western Conference championship in as many years.\"",
  "summary": "For most of three quarters, it looked like the old Denver Outlaws were finally back. The team filled with All-Pro stars that was one play away from a title a...",
  "key_points": [
    "Denver Outlaws defeat California Redwoods 15-14 in quarterfinal",
    "Pat Kavanagh leads with 4 points in crucial win",
    "Outlaws secure semifinal spot, chase second Western Conference title"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Denver Outlaws' quarterfinal win marks a significant step towards their second Western Conference championship in as many years, showcasing their resilience and setting up a semifinal matchup with the Utah Archers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}