Compiled and Written by “Muffler” Mike Kostiuk
LaxPhilly- A Division of tbe Edge of Philly Sports Network
WARRIORS SPOIL INAUGURAL OPENER IN PANTHER CITY
The Vancouver Warriors traveled to Dickies Arena in Fort Worth to face the Panther City Lacrosse Club in their first ever home game in franchise history. Vancouver used a 5-goal run in the second quarter and a 4-goal run in the third to emerge with a decisive 14-8 victory that keeps them atop the West Division standings at 2-0.
FIRST QUARTER
In what seemed to be a surprise move to many, PCLC elected to start Nick Damude in goal, despite Kevin Orleman’s impressive performance in their Week 1 overtime loss to Philadelphia. The switch may have backfired, as Warriors opened the scoring just 33 seconds in, with Jordan McBride (1g) netting his first of the year. Five minutes later, Phil Caputo (1g) quick-sticked a feed from Will Malcom (1g, 1a) past Warriors goaltender Alex Buque for the first home goal in franchise history.
However, for most of the remainder of the quarter, both teams appeared to struggle getting set up offensively, with Logan Schuss (1g, 5a) closing the scoring for the quarter at the 8:32 mark to put Vancouver up 2-1.
Second Quarter
Panther City’s offense continued to be stagnant following their first goal, with very little effort by any forwards to establish a presence inside or near the crease. Vancouver on the other hand, flipped the switch on their offense. Mitch Jones (2g, 2a; 4:02), Jones again (6:05), Kyle Killen (7:01), Tyrell Hamer-Jackson (7:18), and Reid Bowering (3g, 1a; 7:27) increased the lead from one goal to six in a span of three and a half minutes.
The Hamer-Jackson goal in particular began to make the atmosphere between the teams a bit chippy, as he went crashing into Damude at the end of the play. This led to a multitude of pushing and shoving, as well the net being dislodged and capsized, much to the delight of the new fanbase.
PCLC slowed the Vancouver run with a few minutes remaining in the half, getting goals from Malcom (12:48) and Ryan Benesch (1g, 3a; 13:34) for a 7-3 deficit at halftime.
Third Quarter
Vancouver would effectively put the game out of reach with their 4-goal run in the frame. Bowering (3:51), Brandon Goodwin (4:16), and a pair from Keegan Bal (3g, 2a) put the Warriors up 11-3 with about 4 minutes left in the quarter.
Following the Goodwin goal, Orleman entered the game for Panther City in relief of Damude. PCLC forward Dawson Theede, newly activated during a holiday break form collegiate hockey, led another Panthers’ effort to get back in the game, assisting Patrick Foley (1g) at 11:35, then scoring his first at 12:40 to cut the margin to 11-5.
Fourth Quarter
Mike Triolo (2g, 4a) scored PCLC’s third straight goal less than a minute in, and it seemed like the tide was finally starting to turn their way.
But, Vancouver put a stop to that with Killen (1:08) and Bal (4:17) making it 13-6. Patrick Dodds (4:35) and Triolo again (6:33) led a last ditch-effort, but Panther City could not close the gap. Bowering’s hat trick goal in garbage time (14:07) completed the scoring.
3 Stars of the Game
1st Star: Buque (48 saves)
2nd Star: Bal
3rd Star: Triolo
Other Stats of Note
Power Play: VAN 3 of 7; PCLC 2 of 8
Bowering led all players with 15 loose balls
Hamer-Jackson: 14 of 27 on faceoffs
Damude: 19 saves, 9 GA in 34 minutes; Orleman: 12 saves, 5 GA in 25 minutes
Tyler Codron (VAN): 2 caused turnovers
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
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