Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
On Saturday night, the San Diego Seals (6-3) travelled to Nassau Coliseum to play the New York Riptide (5-4). With a big first half from Austin Staats (3G, 2A) the visitors built a formidable halftime lead in a defensive minded game. The home team Riptide fought back with a second half hat trick from Jeff Teat (4G, 3A) to send the home fans away with smiles on their faces. Final Score: San Diego – 8, New York – 10.
Mitch Wilde (1G, 1A) looked like a superhero scoring the opening goal of the game, which was perfect for the Marvel themed jerseys the Riptide were wearing. After a long defensive battle from both sides, and stout goaltender play, the first ball crossed the goal line 6:55 into the game. Wilde broke in transition, caught a pass from Ron John (1A) and ran all the way to the net, jumping and deking goalie Christopher Origlieri (37SV). The home team lead only lasted two minutes before Dane Dobbie (1G, 2A) tied the game with an extra man opportunity marker. In a tight first quarter, the 1-1 tie lasted until the waning seconds. With under 15 seconds remaining, the Riptide fired what could have been the last shot on goal, but quick transition play from San Diego got the ball into Staats’ hands in the offensive zone. Staats side-stepped his defender and found an opening between the legs of Riptide netminder Cameron Dunkerley (52SV) with only 2 seconds left on the clock. At the end of the first quarter, San Diego led New York 2-1.
The second quarter started with some fireworks. Wes Berg (1G, 3A) increased the visitor lead to three 2:05 in, quicksticking the assist from Staats into the net. Just 25 seconds later, Curtis Dickson (2G, 2A) ripped a sidearm shot into the top shelf and the Seals were up 4-1. The defense locked in after, but San Diego was the next to score again. Tre Leclaire (1G, 1A) scored his ninth goal of the season, shooting after coming around a high screen. Teat momentarily stopped the onslaught with his first goal of the game 36 seconds later, but San Diego continued to own the quarter. Staats and Dickson found the net again before the half ended. At the half, San Diego led New York 7-2.
The Riptide flipped the script for the second half, and it started wit ha strong third quarter where the outscored the Seals 3-1. Connor Kearnan (2G, 2A) started the fire, scoring 3:39 in. The goal came on a beautiful pick and slip play with Kiel Matisz (1G, 1A) that found Kearnan wide open in front of the net. Matisz scored the next goal on a powerplay just over four minutes later. San Diego won possession off the ensuing faceoff and wasted no time in getting one back. Staats completed his hat trick with an absolute rocket that picked the top corner. Teat responded again just over two minutes later for his second goal of the game. At the end of the third quarter, San Diego led New York 8-5.
The fourth quarter was a dog fight. The first goal did not come until there was 5:28 left on the clock. The Seals could not find a way to break through, and the Riptide grew with momentum. Reilly O’Connor (1G, 2A) struck first, with a power play goal. Down two goals with time dwindling, Teat went to work. His goal with 4:42 left, was followed up by his game tying goal with 2:29 remaining. In traffic, he fired from outside to knot the game. The Riptide won the ensuing faceoff but were stonewalled on their first attempt. After a reset, Kearnan found himself open in the middle of the zone and scored to give New York the lead with 1:25 remaining. For the cherry on top, Damon Edwards (1G 2A) scored with 49 seconds remaining after a long clear to extend the lead to two. Final Score: San Diego – 8, New York – 10.
Up Next:
The New York Riptide (5-4) host the Toronto Rock (6-2) on Friday, February 16 at 7:00 PM EST.
The San Diego Seals (6-3) have a bye week before hosting the Georgia Swarm (6-4) on Friday, February 23 at 11:00 PM EST.