Witten by “Muffler” Mike Kostiuk
Lax Philly – A Division of Edge of Philly Sports
The New York Riptide hosted the Albany FireWolves at the Nassau Live Center Saturday night, in the first of two meetings on the season. Albany entered the game holding the Wild Card playoff spot at 6-8, but having lost two of their last three games. New York came into the game in 7th place in the East Division, but with several games in hand on the teams just above them in the standings. Using a balanced attack, the Riptide outclassed Albany over the final three quarters to win convincingly 15-6.
Barnburner, At Least To Start
Jeff Teat (3g, 1a) opened the scoring, beating Albany netminder Doug Jamieson at 1:47. Fifteen seconds later, Tony Malcom tied the game, beating New York goalie Steven Orleman in transition. Jake Fox (1g, 2a; 3:24) and Teat’s second (6:03) gave the Riptide a two-goal lead.
The FireWolves would respond with a three-goal run. Reilly O’Connor (2g, 1a; 7:42) with some quick-stick magic, Adrian Sorichetti (1g, 1a; 9:15) on a rare offensive shift, and Joe Resetarits (1g, 4a; 13:18) made it 4-3 Albany at the end of one.
The second quarter was all Riptide, as they unleashed a five-goal run of their own. Kieran McArdle (1g, 1a; 1:34), Connor Kearnan (2g, 3a; 4:04), Callum Crawford (4g, 3a; 6:25), Dan MacRae (1a, 1a; 10:26), and Teat’s third (13:50) put New York up 8-4 going into halftime.
The Torrent Continues
Crawford’s second (0:37 Third Quarter) extended New York’s lead to five before O’Connor’s second (1:09) ended the run. Jay Thorimbert (7:30) and Crawford’s hat-trick goal (8:26) made it 11-5 before Ryan Benesch scored a power play goal at 13:43. This goal was the only one not scored during an even-strength situation during the game.
The final quarter was almost a repeat of the second quarter, as the Riptide closed the game on a 4-goal run, while the FireWolves had no answers. Crawford’s fourth (4:34), Kearnan’s second (7:05), Dan Lomas (1g, 2a; 8:06), and Scott Dominey (10:13) put the finishing touches on the win, and possibly Albany’s playoff hopes.
The loss drops Albany to 6-9, and puts the FireWolves a half game behind Panther City (6-8) and a full game behind Philadelphia (6-7) for the Wild Card playoff spot with only three games left to play. Albany hosts Philadelphia on April 16 for a rubber match, before hosting New York on April 30 in the regular season finale.
3 Stars of the Game
- 1st Star: Crawford
- 2nd Star: Teat
- 3rd Star: Orleman (43 saves)
Other Stats of Note
- Power Play: ALB 1 for 3; NY 0 for 2
- Malcom (ALB): 12 loose balls (led all players)
- Joe Nardella (ALB): 15 of 25 on faceoffs
- New acquisitions Brent Noseworthy, Tyler Digby, and Ron John were all active for the Riptide
- With 3 assists tonight, Crawford became the 8th player in NLL history with 700+ career assists
Gary Groob has been involved with Lacrosse for the majority of his life, whether playing, coaching, or covering the sport for the media.
An avid fan, with a real drive about helping to “grow the game”, Gary became part of podcasts about the game in 2010. Through the podcasts, Mr. Groob was given an opportunity to write about lacrosse, and the rest as they say, is history.
Through many miles (flying and driving) Gary has made inroads with the National Lacrosse League, Major Series Lacrosse League, the Ontario Lacrosse Association, as well as the Arena Lacrosse League, covering the leagues, their teams, and players, working for, and in concert with all of them.
In the year 2020, Mr. Groob was made the media person for the Arena Lacrosse League, voted onto the board of directors of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club, as well as being made administrator of the Lacrosse page “Global Lacrosse” with a membership of 9000 members in over 90 Countries. Gary was also made an administrator of Lacrosse History Past Present and Future in 2022.
Mr. Groob co-hosts a weekly Lacrosse show on Spanglish Sports World, and ZingoTV channel 250, as well as writes a weekly lacrosse column for La Portada Canada News (both in print, and online).
Gary also hosts a Lacrosse talk show and podcast for The Edge of Philly Sports Network, seen live Sunday nights at 9pm (ET), and archived on the Edge of Philly YouTube page, as well as Spotify.
Mr. Groob’s other sports interests include Hockey, Football, Boxing, Wrestling, and Baseball, competing competitively in Boxing and Wrestling for many years.
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