Stealth Attack: San Jose Beats Portland
staff report
PORTLAND, Ore. - San Jose erupted for a season-high 20 goals, including seven in the third quarter, to defeat Portland 20-16 in the first round of the National Lacrosse League playoffs. The 20 goals marked the first time a NLL team had reached that milestone in the playoffs since 1994.
San Jose advances to the West Division final where it will meet the winner of Sunday's Colorado-Calgary game. It marks the second time in the last three years that San Jose has reached the West Division final.
Rhys Duch, Frank Resetarits and Jeff Zywicki led a balanced attack for the Stealth with the trio each netting hat tricks. Colin Doyle also had seven assists to go along with his two goals. On the defensive side, San Jose goalie Tyler Richards made 40 saves as Portland actually outshot San Jose 56-51.
San Jose scored three of the last four goals of the first half to take an 11-7 halftime lead and then opened up a big margin by scoring four of the first five goals of the second half. Back-to-back goals by Duch gave San Jose a 15-8 lead with 8:51 remaining in the third quarter.
Portland was led by Richard Morgan, who tallied a game-high four goals. Brodie Merrill and Derek Malawsky each added two goals and five assists with Merrill also contributing 14 loose balls. Matt Disher and Matthew Flindell combined for 31 saves.
