WHO: Drexel Dragons @ U Albany Great Danes
WHERE: Albany, NY
WHEN: Saturday February 22, 1pm EST
DREXEL
The Dragons commenced their 2014 lacrosse season with a loss of 11-10 to Virginia. The game came down to the wire and Drexel was the predicted underdog.
Drexel is an offensive overload. All three attackmen (Jared Boudraeu (1g, 1a), Cole Schafer (4g) and Nick Trizano (4g, 1a) were dominant in their appearance against the Virginians. They accumulated a total of 41 shots.
Face off specialist Nick Saputo is a powerhouse. Up against Virginia, he won 19-of-25 faces against four opposing midfielders. He recovered 15 ground balls and committed only two turnovers.
The Dragons’ defense is a quiet unit. All three starters (Miles Thomas, Markell Nelson, and Matt Dusek) contribute to their performance equally creating a solid, well-rounded defense.
Between goalies Will Gabrielson and Cal Winkelman, the Dragons saved 13 shots.
ALBANY
The Great Danes have risen to the occasion in 2014. They competed comparably with Syracuse and shook the Carrier Dome into overtime.
Against the Orange, Albany had 48 shots and recovered 35 ground balls. They cleared 20-of-25 and had 11 saves.
Ty Thompson delivered beyond expectations, leading a well-balanced team with 5 goals. Miles (2 assists) and Lyle (5 assists) Thompson, Derek Eccles, Jimmy Haugen, Will Stenberg (1 assist) and Matt Garziano each recorded a goal. Ryan Feuerstein had 2 goals.
The entire team contributed to the 35 ground ball recovery, having at least twelve different players scoop up 2 or more balls a piece.
If the Great Danes can improve on their face off percentages and capitalize on man-up opportunities then they can most certainly become a triumphant team in 2014.
PREDICTION
Albany is more balanced of a roster and contributing players than Drexel, out-shoots them and has a solid defense.
Drexel can create a lot of momentum in the high amount of face off wins they have.
Each team has the perfect opportunity to expose the opponent’s most prominent weakness(es). The game decision will be a determination of who exploits the best.
Drexel: 14 Albany: 19
