The Georgia Swarm hosted the Albany FireWolves at Gas South Arena Saturday night in the front end of a home-and-home series. The Swarm were looking to get into the win column after starting the season with seven straight losses. Meanwhile, Albany was looking to snap their own four-game losing streak. Andrew Kew (7g, 3a) had a breakout night against his former team as the Swarm routed Albany 20-4. Georgia moves to 1-7, while Albany drops to 2-7, winless in five straight games.
Swarm take commanding lead in first half
Albany made a surprise move to start the night, going with Justin Geddie in net over Doug Jamieson. Ultimately, both goalies saw floor time as Georgia shot at nearly 40% efficiency (20 goals on 51 shots). Kew started his big night with a power play goal (6:07). Seth Oakes (2g, 3a; 9:48) followed before Connor Kelly (1g, 1a; 10:26) got Albany on board with a power play goal. Kew (14:47; power play) scored his second in the closing seconds of the first quarter for a 3-1 Swarm lead.
The second quarter was all Georgia, outscoring the FireWolves 6-0 for a 9-1 halftime lead. Lyle Thompson had his own big night (5g, 7a), finding the back of the net at 1:45. Shayne Jackson (3g, 2a) followed with a pair (4:55; 5:15). Bryan Cole (1g, 1a; 7:41) made it 7-1 before Jackson (8:31) and Kew (12:25; power play) each got their hat trick goals.
Swarm cruise to first win of season
Hiana Thompson (1g, 1a) opened the second half scoring for Albany with a power play goal 56 seconds into the third quarter. Georgia would pile on another four goals to put the game out of reach. Lyle scored two goals in 11 seconds (1:24; 1:35). Kew then added his fourth and fifth of the night (3:13 power play; 4:05). John Piatelli (2g) scored a power play goal for Albany at 8:47, only for the Swarm to add two more goals. Lyle’s fourth (9:44) and Brendan Bomberry (1g, 3a; 11:37) made it a 15-3 game with 15 minutes to play.
Piatelli (0:34) scored the FireWolves’ fourth power play goal of the game, but that was it for their offense. Lyle’s fifth goal (0:58) was followed by Zach Miller (1g, 2a; 3:20). Kew (4:02) tallied his sock-trick goal, Oakes added his second (7:58), and Kew closed the game with his seventh of the night (10:30). These teams meet again next weekend at MVP Arena in Albany.
Other Stats of Note
Faceoff Wins: ALB 7; GA 21
Jeremy Thompson (GA): 11 Loose Balls (led all players)
Brett Dobson (GA): 32 saves
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“Muffler” Mike Kostiuk was formally introduced to box lacrosse when he attended a New England Black Wolves game on a whim in 2016. Instantly hooked, he has since become an avid follower of the National Lacrosse League. Following the postponement of the 2019-2020 NLL season, he was offered the chance to share his wealth of statistical knowledge and unique insights with the lacrosse community at large. He cheerfully accepted, and currently serves as Edge of Philly’s correspondent for both the Albany FireWolves and New York Riptide.
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