The SJU Hawks drop a heartbreaker in overtime, 8-7. The St. Joe’s Hawks traveled down I-95 to Johnny Unitas Stadium to take on the Towson Tigers (1-1) on a cold and rainy afternoon.
I thought our guys played hard today,” “The elements didn’t help, but both teams played in the same elements. We battled. I’m pleased with the way our defense played, in particular, our close defensive group and defensive middies; they executed what we asked them to do. Defensively, we’re in a good spot right now.”
head coach Taylor Wray.
Despite falling behind, the Hawks kept battling after a 6-2 deficit. Things didn’t start so well as Andrew Beacham (1g,1a) kicked things off for Towson at the 12:25 mark. Casey Wasserman (1g,1a) followed just :39 later and it appeared Towson was off and running… well, slogging. The first stanza ended with a 2-0 score.
The Hawks took the hit and showed resilience with an Austin Strazzula unassisted marker at 8:11. The Tigers roared back and Brody McLean (3g,1) and a man-advantage goal from Grey Ey (1g) set up by Wasserman closed the first half with Towson seemingly in control, 4-2.
The Tigers continued to roar and kept the run going McLean added a pair :39 apart to get it to 6-2. St.Joe’s shook off the run and countered with net benders from, Ryan Doran (1g), Shayne Fable (1g), and Matt Popeck (1g) before Andrew Milani (2g) stemmed the tide to take it to the final stanza with the Hawks facing a very workable, 7-5 disadvantage.
I did say workable? The final quarter was very tight but the visitors nailed the only two goals, furnished by Mac McLaughlin (1g), and with just 1:32 remaining, Strazzula found an opening and buried it to send it to extra time. Despite Zach Cole winning his 13th face-off, St. Joe’s couldn’t manage a game-winner and, with 2:36 to play, Milani slammed the door on the comeback, 8-7 Towson.
Dis and Dat
Zach Cole was his usual dominating self and posted an unreal, 13 for 18 from the “X”. That gives Coles 281 face-off wins and 185 ground balls in just 20 games. Shots were 42-34 Towson as well as Towson having the edge in ground balls, 40-33. Jack Zullo turned aside 12 shots in his Hawks debut. “Jack did an excellent job as well in his first start as a Hawk,” added Wray.
The SJU Hawks drop a heartbreaker in overtime, 8-7. For more Lax coverage click here.
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.
