Kevin M. Neibauer
LaxPhilly- Part of the Edge of Philly Sports Network
The undefeated Grizzlies got knocked from that stature with a 12-8 loss handed to them by previously winless Black Fish in Arena Lacrosse League West action.
The 1-3 Black Fish struck first with 4:33 played when Evan Messenger (4g) with help from Jon Phillips and Ethan M’Lot started a run with M’Lot (1g, 1A) at 9:24 followed by Jordan Roberts (1g, 3a) cashing in on a Toru Morimatsu (1a) feed and at the 7:46 mark, the Black Fish seized a 3-0 lead.
Brian Smith (2g, 1a) cut the lead to 3-1.
Jon Phillips (3g, 5a) banged a man up tally with just :56 on the clock with Nathan Romanchych (1g,1a) hitting for an unassisted goal with :12 to close the frame with the Black Fish leading 5-1 over the (3-1) Grizzlies.
Second Stanza
The second portion was all Grizzlies who went on a run supplied by, a man advantage goal at 2:55 from Andrew Gresham (1g) who buried a pretty set up generated by Jacob Patterson (3a) and Mitch McDole (1g, 2a)
It took just forty three seconds for the Grizzlies to record another man-up lamp lighter with Pearson Willis (2g,1a) doing the honors. Patterson picked up helper number 2 with Sekawnee Baker getting the secondary.
Another final minute goal, this one from Pearson Willis with Patterson adding assist number three along with Brian Smith with the clock showing just :07 and the netminder pulled in favor of the extra attacker.
We went to the second half with a taut 5-4 Black Fish edge.
To The Third.
Phillips pushed it 6-4 with an unassisted goal at 13:52.
Nearly seven minutes passed before Messenger struck again.
Three minutes later, Grizzlies net-minder, Brayden Wandler kick started a transition goal from Kieran McKay (1g, 1a) getting it to 7-5.
It took ninety seconds for Messenger to get his hat trick off yet another power play with Phillips and Roberts doing the work.
Forty five ticks later, Phillips stepped up with help from Roberts and Brandon Liutwieler on yet another advantage marker that close the book on three quarters and a 9-5 game in favor of the Fish.
A Wild Finish?
Liutwieler (1g, 2a) potted a set up from Phillips and Ryan Jones that pushed it to 10-5.
The man-up party picked back up with Sekawnee Baker (1g,1a) finding rope followed by Mitch McDole (1g,2a) joining the power play party at 8:21.
Connor Abrams (1a) sent a nice pass that Nick Jensen (1g) buried to make it an 11-7 affair.
With just under five to play, Messenger potted his 4th of the game with Brian Smith scoring with the goaltender pulled to secure the 12-8 final.
Dis and Dat
Shots went the way of the Grizzlies, 50-41.Power Play revealed the Black Fish hitting on 3 of their 12 tries with the Grizzlies going 4 for 7.
Justin Geddie, Black Fish goaltender, secured Player of the Game honors with his 41 saves.
The Black Fish had scored only 17 times in their previous games.
“We have had some good periods of lacrosse (this season) but unfortunately have not been consistent enough,” said Black Fish coach Rod Jensen. “Today, we were consistent and our goalie played really well and made some big saves while our offence played with a little more passion.”
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.
Latest Articles
Rochester completes comeback over CalgaryLacrosse, NLL
Philadelphia Wings Flying In The Right DirectionLacrosse, NLL
Round 1 In The Battle Of PA Goes To The FlyersFlyers
Jake Withers runs wild over the Saskatchewan RushLacrosse, NLL
Going The Distance, Coming Up ShortSixers
