(Photo Courtesy of PLL)
After a pretty ugly first quarter, overall, Redwoods LC held a slim 2-1 lead, with Sergio Perkovic and Kyle Harrison each finding the back of the net in the first quarter to put them ahead. However, mistakes, penalties, and an unhealthy obsession with putting Matt Gaudet, who has been a big story in the PLL since being mic’d up on Sunday where he chirped Chaos goalie Blaze Riorden and showed of his hyena like cackle, led to a very poor second half performance from Nat St. Laurent’s squad.
Chrome LC was able to take full advantage of Redwoods’ sloppiness in transition and on the defensive end. They outscored Redwoods 9-2 in the second, which included three power play goals that came as a result of hits on Gaudet.
Within the final minute of the second quarter, Garrett Epple put this hit on Gaudet and followed it up with three crosschecks to the head. Epple received two non-releasable, one-minute penalties for his actions.
Suspend Epple. @PremierLacrosse
That being said, everyone knew Gaudet had this coming. If you wanna shut him up, maybe stop the @PLLChrome offense pic.twitter.com/xNcTTaQxxq
— The Hound (iPhone 11) (@TheHoundIsReal) July 29, 2020
Redwoods were able to regather themselves and cool down in the second half, which led to a pretty impressive comeback. Following a Ned Crotty goals early in the third, Redwoods rattled off five straight goals, which included a two-bomb from Sergio Perkovic to make it an 11-9 game. While Jesse King was able to stop the bleeding for Chrome, Perkovic launched another two-bomb with 12.3 seconds in the game to make it 12-11. Connor Farrell won the following faceoff and they were able to hold on for the victory.
Ned Crotty led Chrome with four points (2G/2A) in the win. Justin Guterding also had three points (2G/1A). Connor Farrell went 14-for-22 (64%) at the faceoff dot and John Galloway made 14 saves.
Sergio Perkovic led Redwoods with three goals, which included two two-pointers. Tim Troutner made 13 saves with a 54% save percentage in the contest.
Second Half Defense Comes up Big For Archers
With Waterdogs LC holding a 6-3 lead at the half had, seemingly, having all the momentum on their side, Archers LC stepped up big time on both ends and was able to mount the comeback to earn their second win in as many nights, moving to 2-0 on the season.
Archers defense, which was the best in the league last season, came up big in the second half as they limited Waterdogs to just one goal in the final two quarters of play. Adam Ghitleman, who jumped in net in replace of Drew Adams at the half, led that impressive charge, making 10 saves with a 91% save percentage.
Just as their defense did, Archers’ offense also seemed to regroup and came out much stronger in the second half. Grant Ament had another big day, tallying four points (1G/3A). Tom Schreiber and Christian Mazzone each scored two goals.
Kieran McArdle led the way for Waterdogs with three points (1G/2A). Ben McIntosh scored two goals, including the club’s only goal of the second half.
Eddy’s Big Day
During Chrome’s big run in the second quarter, one big aspect to their success was how well they were able to run the field, push transition, and outwork their opponent in between the boxes.
One of the biggest stars in that real was Rookie LSM Reece Eddy. The former Boston U. Terrier was all over the place all game, but especially in that second quarter. Eddy creates havoc on the defense end and help push the issue on offense, as well.
Eddy ended the game with two caused turnovers and three ground balls. He also recorded his first PLL goal, scoring a hockey goal off a rebound on a heads up play in front of the cage.
That’s a hell of a way to pot your first @PremierLacrosse goal.
Something tells us @diggstape enjoyed this @Reece_Eddy goal a little. #LaxFlash⚡️ pic.twitter.com/2Zq4jmWe67
— Lacrosse Flash (@LacrosseFlash) July 29, 2020
Play Of The Day
Is there even an argument against this one? Grant Ament with the behind-the-back pass to a cutting Tom Schreiber for a score.
This play was No. 5 on Sports Center’s Top 10 plays from Tuesday.
GRANT AMENT BEHIND THE BACK TO TOM SCHREIBER! pic.twitter.com/1VyZ0M8ocQ
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 29, 2020
Honorable Mention
While not the flashiest or most memorable play of the game, this hustle play from Justin Guterding to cause the turnover, which led to the fast break and score, fully represents how Chrome played for a good portion of the game: selfless and hard-nosed.
And how about this incredible defensive effort from @guterball14 to set up the goal the other way.
Like @Ryan_Boyle14 said, those are game-winning plays. #LaxFlash⚡️ pic.twitter.com/4mqMEpMfTv
— Lacrosse Flash (@LacrosseFlash) July 29, 2020
