Charlotte had an appetite for vengeance going into the game against the Launch. After getting crushed 18-9 by Florida last year, they needed to get a win to help them get out of the bottom of the ranks. That goal was crushed tonight with the final score of 17-16 Florida after overtime.
This week’s game looked completely different from last week. Charlotte started off stronger than before with a score from Mike Sawyer and a second from Terry Kimener assisted by Kevin Cunningham. Florida quickly returned the goals though with a power play from Steven Brooks and Lyle Thompson followed by a score from Miles Thompson and another from Lyle. The back and forth game continued ending the quarter at 5-4 Florida ahead by one.
The second quarter was a bit rough and there wasn’t a dull second of the game. We were only into the second quarter and Sawyer, Lyle, and Miles were able to finish off their hat tricks. Since the intensity was building as the game went on, Bobby Lawrence, Joe Cinosky and Henry Lobb all found themselves sharing a box together for a minute due to Unsportsmanlike Conduct. With three men off the field, not a lot of action occurred. By the end of the first half both teams scored five points. Score was 10-9, Florida still ahead.
Jake Tripucka started the half off picking up his first score of the day. He then tied the game up. Later, Kieran McArdle was able to complete a nice power play with the assistance from Lyle giving Florida the lead once again. Final score for the quarter was 14-12 Florida.
Sawyer looked ready to take the game back for Charlotte, he picked up a goal with less than 40 seconds into the fourth. McArdle made a goal and to follow Tripicka and Cunningham each made a shot too.
The game was the tied with 7 minutes left on the clock. Anything could happen with that amount of time left. L. Thompson was able to take charge and score making the score then 16-15 Florida. Launch were able to hold the Hounds off, until Michael Ehrhardt gained possession of the ball and scored the final goal with only 9 seconds left on the clock.
This sent the two teams into overtime. The score was 16-16 and could be anyones game. Lyle Thompson wanted to make sure though to end his game against Charlotte on a high note. For the second week in a row he lead his team to victory, Lyle scored the final goal of the game and also completed his sock trick of the night.
Both teams played very hard and Florida definitely took every advantage they could when Charlotte was a man down. Next week, both teams will be on the road.Charlotte will take on Rochester on 7/17 @ 7:30pm. Florida will take on Denver on 7/19 @ 3pm.
