Long Island Puts Boston's Playoff Party on Hold
from press release
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Goalkeeper Drew Adams made a
career-high 24 saves, including six in the fourth quarter, as the
Long Island Lizards (3-5) kept the Boston Cannons (6-2) from
securing a play-off berth by earning a 12-11 Major League Lacrosse
victory in front of 5,742 fans at James M. Shuart Stadium on
Saturday evening.
Adams, who earned Bud Light Player of the Game honors, made 12 of
his saves in the second half as the Lizards held Boston to just one
goal after the intermission.
Led by two goals and an assist from attackman Matt Poskay, the
Cannons jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead in the first 12 minutes
of the game. Attackman Max Quinzani also had a goal and an assist
during the run.
But, the Lizards responded with a five-point run of their own to
tie the game at 5-5 just 34 seconds into the second quarter.
Midfielder Stephen Peyser tallied a two-point goal to start the run
while attackman Tim Goettelmann contributed a pair of goals.
However, the Cannons put together another five-point run to regain
their five-point advantage at 10-5 with 4:46 left in the second
quarter. Midfielder Paul Rabil scored two goals, including a
two-point marker, and also contributed an assist during the
run.
Trailing by 10-5, the Lizards held Boston scoreless for over 29
minutes while scoring six straight goals, including a two-point
marker from attackman Matt Danowski, to take a 12-10 lead with 5:48
remaining in the fourth quarter. Rookie attackman Jay Card scored
twice during the run, including the game-tying goal with 10:07 left
in regulation.
Despite a goal from midfielder Brad Ross with 5:03 remaining, the
Cannons were unable to complete the comeback and clinch a berth in
Sports Authority MLL Championship Weekend presented by Warrior.
While Adams led the Long Island defense, the Lizards received
two-goal efforts from Goettelmann, Card and Peyser in addition to a
two-point goal and two assists from Danowski.
Poskay led the Cannons in a losing effort with three goals while
Rabil added two goals, including a two-point marker, with an
assist. Goalkeeper Jordan Burke, who entered the game as the MLL
leader in save percentage and goals against average, made 15 saves
for the Cannons, who had their five-game win streak snapped.
The Cannons outshot the Lizards by a 52-46 margin and had a 29-25
advantage in ground balls.
Major League Lacrosse: Long Island Lizards 12, Boston Cannons
11
Boston (6-2) 5-5-0-1 / 11
Long Island (3-5) 4-2-3-3 / 12
One-Point Goals: BOS - Matt Poskay 3, Pat Heim 1, Brad Ross 1,
Kevin Buchanan 1, Brian Farrell 1, Max Quinzani 1, Paul Rabil 1; LI
- Tim Goettelmann 2, Jay Card 2, Dan Cocchi 1, Stephen Berger 1,
Stephen Peyser 1, John Grant, Jr. 1. Two-Point Goals: BOS - Paul
Rabil 1; LI - Stephen Peyser 1, Matt Danowski 1. Assists: BOS -
Matt Poskay 1, Greg Downing 1, Ryan Boyle 1, Kevin Buchanan 1,
Brian Farrell 1, Max Quinzani 1, Paul Rabil 1; LI - Matt Danowski
2, Keith Cromwell 1, Tim Goettelmann 1, Nicky Polanco 1. Saves: BOS
- Jordan Burke 15 (60:00, 10 goals allowed); LI - Drew Adams 24
(60:00, 10 goals allowed). Shots: BOS - 52; LI - 46. Power-Play
Opportunities: BOS - 2 for 8; LI - 0 for 1. Attendance: 5,742.
