As the bitter winter cold continued to creep into the spring, Massapequa and host Wantagh duked it out on the Lacrosse field in an intense non-league game late Wednesday afternoon. But despite putting forth a strong effort, the Warriors (2-2) dropped to the overpowering force that was the Chiefs (2-1), 12-7.
The first quarter seemed more of a feeling-out process between the two teams, with the only goal coming with 7:17 left on the clock by Wantagh's Brian Von Bergan. But at the point it was too early to tell which way this game was going.
Wantagh continued to build their lead early in the second with a goal by Ryan Walsh, putting the Warriors at 2-0. Obviously incensed by giving up the two points, Massapequa came back big-time, with Steven Romano finally putting the Chiefs on the scoreboard with 9:59 remaining. This was followed up by three consecutive Chief goals by Dylan Sheehan. The Warriors finally seemed to tighten up their defense, but that didn't stop Massapequa from firmly taking control, closing out the second at 7-4.
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The third quarter saw things quiet down a bit on the scoreboard, but the action was nonetheless fast and furious on both sides. However, Massapequa wasn't willing to give up its hold on the lead, and the third quarter finished with the Chiefs still out in front, 9-6.
In the fourth quarter, the Warriors tried with all their might to stage a comeback, but only managed one goal, courtesy of Von Bergan at 10:04 remaining. Meanwhile, the Chiefs blasted three more shots into Wantagh's net, securing the eventual win, 12-7.
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Heroes: The Chiefs' Dylan Sheehan led his team by nailing an amazing seven goals with one assist, followed Jamie Shand with three goals and four assists.
On the Wantagh side, Brian Von Bergen managed to fire off three big shots that found their mark, and both Ryan Walsh and John Reicherter (plus one assist) scored twice.
Turning Point: The opening of the second quarter saw Massapequa down 1-0, which apparently lit a fire under the collective team. By the time the horn sounded to mark the end of that quarter, the Chiefs had decisively turned the tide and were now up, 7-4.
Quotable:
"I think that Massapequa came with more heart than we did today," said Wantagh head coach Gary Reh. "The combination of them coming out, picking up ground balls, and just wanting it more than we did made the difference today."
“I thought the kids played great,” Massapequa head coach Tim Radowski said. “The played all aspects - offence, defense, the goalie played unbelievable, out attack kids moved the ball like they did last year, and we were able to finish, which is great. The kids raised their level up a little bit today, and each time you've gotta get better.”
Key Stat: After a brief Wantagh lead at the end of the first quarter, Massapequa consistantly stepped up both their offence and defense for the remainder of the game, retaining the lead until the final horn.
Who’s Next: Wantagh is next in action at Hendrick Hudson Saturday starting at at 11 a.m. Wantagh's Conference II opener is scheduled for April 8 at home against Mepham starting at 4:30 p.m.
Box Score:
Team…………….1…..2…..3…..4 - F
Massapequa……0….7.....2…..3..12
Wantagh…….....1….3…..2…..1....7
Goals-Assists- M: Shand 3-4, Lukaszewicz 0-2, Muller 1-1, Lawless 0-1, Romano 1-0, Tralongo 0-1, Sheehan 7-1. Totals: 12-10. W: Walsh 2-0, Reicherter 2-1, Von Bergan 3-0. Totals: 7-1.
