Lyle Thompson’s five goals and Matt Abbott’s four goals pace Bayhawks on Military Appreciation Night
Sunday night the Chesapeake Bayhawks (4-5) ended a four game losing streak by dismantling the Rochester Rattlers (4-6) 19-9 in front of 10,002 at Navy-Marine Stadium in Annapolis, Md., on military appreciation night.
Following the game the fans in attendance were treated to a concert by country music star Craig Campbell, and the annual fireworks show at the end.
At the start of the game the Bayhawks hit some sour notes as the Rattlers jumped out to a 5-0 lead. It wasn’t until 9:59 of the first quarter when Lyle Thompson made his presence known to the hometown crowd by scoring the first two goals for the Bayhawks. Matt Abbott scored his first of the night with just nine seconds left in the first to cut the lead to 5-3.
As the second quarter started, the music started sounding a lot better for the Bayhawks and their fans. Abbott scored two and Thompson added one to give each a hat trick and the Bayhawks an 8-7 lead at the half.
Nathan Lewnes would get it started in the second half by scoring just 36 seconds in to up the lead to 9-7. Rochester battled back to tie the game at nine with 7:39 remaining in the third, but that was the last time Rochester would celebrate.
The Bayhawks scored the final four goals of the third quarter. Abbott finished the scoring in the third with his fourth goal of the game. Three of his goals came with under a minute in each of the quarters as the Bayhawks would take a 13-9 lead into the final quarter.
Myles Jones scored at 1:24, but it was Jake Froccaro’s (Villanova) first career 2pt goal at 2:17 that took any glimmer of hope from the Rattlers. The Bayhawks would go on a 10-goal run to finish the game and outscore Rochester 11-2 in the second half.
Lyle Thompson was named the Coca-Cola player of the game with five goals and two assists in just his second game with the Bayhawks.
Matt Abbott recorded a season high six points (4G/2A).
Rookies Josh Byrne (2G/3A) and Jake Froccaro (2pt goal/3A) combined for 10 points and were very impressive.
Jordan MacIntosh recorded a hat trick for the Rattlers in defeat.
Niko Amato and Brian Phipps split time in goal. Amato started the game and allowed seven goals on 12 shots. Phipps started the second half allowing two goals on the only three shots he faced the entire half. Phipps was also credited with the victory.
The MLL All-Star game is next weekend. Representing Chesapeake are Myles Jones, Matt Abbott, Michael Evans, Jesse Bernhardt and Brian Phipps. Rochester is sending Drew Simoneau, Kyle Denhoff, and Matt Dunn. Both teams return to regular season action the following week.
Saturday July 15 – Chesapeake will visit the Florida Launch for a 7 p.m. start.
Sunday July 16 – Rochester returns home to face the Boston Cannons at 5 p.m.
