Marcelo A. Sagüez, NLL Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Featured Image Photo Credit: Devon Manky
With two games remaining this season, the Vancouver Warriors (5-11) still have a shot at the final spot for the playoffs in the West with their Western Division rivals the Colorado Mammoth losing at home on Friday April 12. The 5-11 Warriors need to win both reaming games, the first April 20 away at the Knighthawks and their final at home on April 26 to the Toronto Rock. The Warriors would show complete dominance in this contest outscoring the Philadelphia Wings (3-14) in three of four frames and big in the first going on a nine goal run starting at the 58 second mark and not stopping until the clock read 14:11. Final Score: Warriors 19—Wings 12.
It didn’t take long for the Wings to tickle the twine as Blaze Riorden (1g, 2a) took advantage of the open lane down main-street in front of Warriors net minder (77) Aaron Bold only 17 seconds in. The quick score sparked a fire in Vancouver as they would score nine in a row taking a commanding lead over Philadelphia in the first quarter. The Warriors would see Keegan Bal (5g, 9a) with the hat-trick; both Mitch Jones (4g, 6a) and Jordan McBride (5g, 3a) with two a piece; and one apiece from Logan Schuss (3g, 6a) and Brandon Goodwin (1g, 1a). Score at the end of one: Warriors 9—Wings 1.
The second slowed to a snail’s pace with Kevin Crowley (3g, 2a) of the Wings scoring their lone goal at 2:24. Vancouver would see two more, one from Schuss at 3:07 and the other from McBride on the power-play with only four seconds in the frame. Fans were on the edge of their seats in the first and fell asleep in the second. With Philadelphia coming off a loss to the Rush (16-11); troubled by the fatigue of being on the road in back-to-back games, it was taking its’ toll. While on the other end Vancouver look composed and fresh. Defensively the Warriors were keeping the Wings on the outside, offensively taking advantage of tired legs and open floor. Score at the end of two: Vancouver 11—Philadelphia 2.
The half time break was a turning point for the Wings as they came out of the locker room with confidence for the comeback, scoring ten goals in the second half. Philadelphia would match Vancouver in scoring in the third at five. The Warriors would start it off with Bal and McBride putting up two more. Philadelphia would stop the four-goal run with a goal from Kiel Matisz (3g), but Vancouver would hit back with another two, this time Jones and Schuss. The Wings would go on a three-goal run with Crowley notching two more; and Matisz with his second. Closing out the frame, Vancouver would get one from Jean-Luc Chetner and the Wings would close it out with 26 seconds with one from Jordan Hall (1g, 4a) and the assist going to Matt Rambo. Score at the end of three: Warriors 16—Wings 7.
Heading into the final 15, Vancouver kept the pressure on and although Philadelphia tried to mount a comeback outscoring Vancouver five to three, it would not be enough as the Warriors would maintain the lead for the win. Philadelphia would see two goals from Matt Rambo (2g, 4a) and Josh Currier (2g, 1a); and one from Matisz. Vancouver goals were scored by Jones; McBride; and Bal. Final Score: Vancouver 19—Philadelphia 12.
Wings face-off specialist Trevor Baptiste dominated at center winning in the face-off dot 31-35 for Philadelphia. Both Wings goalies saw some rubber in this matinee contest: (57) Doug Buchan in 52:56 minutes of play saw 42 shots allowing 15 goals; and back up keeper (65) Gowah Abrams in 7:04 minutes of play saw 12 shots and allowed four goals.
The home team net-minder Aaron Bold saw a lot of rubber taking 73 shots while allowing only 12 goals in regulation time.
Penalties ate up 45 minutes of play; the Wings power play was 1-4 while the stronger Vancouver team took advantage of the power play with 5-6.
Leading the scoring for the Warriors were: Jordan McBride (5g, 3a); Mitch Jones (4g, 6a); Logan Schuss (3g, 6a); and Keegan Bal (5g, 9a).
NEXT UP:
The Vancouver Warriors (5-11) will head east to face the Rochester Knighthawks (5-11) on Saturday April 20, game time 7:30 p.m. EST.
Philadelphia (3-11) heads south to Georgia to face the Swarm (12-5) on Saturday April 20, game time 7:05 p.m. EST.
Marcelo A. Sagüez, Correspondent Calgary Roughnecks
Lacrosse is Awesome©