Under the rainy skies of Ichan Stadium on Randalls Island, the New York Lizards took on the Chesapeake Bayhawks in round two of their seasonal match-ups. It was the first game ever to be played in New York City, yet the opposition felt more at home that night. The defending MLL Champions put a stranglehold in the second and third quarters as they dominated both sides of the field. New York could only flounder as they were crushed 21-8.
Chesapeake led first thanks to four goals by Drew Westervelt. He was strong around the crease and made it tough for the Lizards to guard one-on-one. New York goals by Mark Matthews, Tommy Palasek and Stephen Peyser made it a 4-3 contest after the first 15 minutes of the game.
After that, Dave Cottle’s team took off. They scored two powerplay goals to start the second quarter, including a Kyle Dixion two-pointer to extend the lead to four. CJ Costabile scored New York’s first of the quarter before Michael Kimmel buried another two-point bomb to keep the home team on their heels. Key wins by Adam Rand kept the run alive before Greg Gurenlian (18-31) would regain control at the dot. Two more Bayhawk goals finished the scoring at 8:16 into the quarter, including a behind the back goal from John Grant Jr. The halftime score read 11-4.
The Bayhawks would not let up their assault in the third quarter. Three goals by Westervelt, two from Grant Jr, and one from Ben Rubeor, would keep New York pinned in their own zone. Whatever positives Joe Spallina’s crew had going for them were washed away in the rain. Even with JoJo Marasco’s debut and the return of Max Seibald, the offense seemed to sputter out. They seemed to have trouble moving the ball, frustrated all day by the Chesapeake defense and Kip Turner (15 saves). On the other end, the defense was overworked by possession and outmatched one-on-one. Even with Drew Adams (15 saves) making big saves, New York could not stop their opponent. Palasek’s second was the only goal of the third frame. By then, the game was out of reach.
New York would score three of the first four goals in the fourth quarter before Chesapeake ended the game on a three goal run. Former Lizards legend Tim Goettleman, who returned to the MLL this week for the Bayhawks, scored two goals in the final frame.
WHY CHESAPEAKE WON: Dave Cottle during and after the game this was the first time this year they played like the defending champs. Strong effort on both sides of the ball gave them more time with the ball despite losing face-offs. They shot 19-34, moved the ball with confidence, and won the special teams (4-for-6 on the powerplay). Oh, and Drew Westervelt (8g, 1a) he’s pretty good I guess.
WHY NEW YORK LOST:
Chesapeake was the better team, but New York hurt themselves too. It’s understandable this new team needs time to mesh, but it doesn’t excuse the turnovers and lack of creativity with this roster. The midfield needs to create more. Including the powerplay (1-for-4) the Lizards have to figure out what needs to click to get the rubber to find twine. Chesapeake also had a strong crease presence. When New York’s defense packed it in, the deadly outside shooting took over. Drew Adams did all he could, but it doesn’t help when the opponent keeps beating the defenseman to the open areas.
New York finds itself in a precarious situation after last night’s loss. If they don’t compile a short winning streak heading into the all-star break, the Lizards may position themselves out of a playoff race down the stretch.
