Much like 2020, today’s game was all Chaos as they defeated Chrome 19-14 in the PLL’s highest scoring battle of the season.
“We like being the underdogs,” is what one microphone picked up on the sidelines of Chaos LC. Chaos sent Chrome packing in a win or go home elimination game.
Chaos went up 5-4 in the first. However, the second quarter saw them score seven points to the two scored by Chrome. That seemed to take the shine off Chrome and they just could not recover.
The third quarter saw much of the same with Chaos still outscoring team Chrome 4-2. As the fourth quarter began, one coach yelled at Chaos to “ignore the bull-” and they did.
Still focused, Chaos lost a little control as they played during the fourth quarter; however, Chrome fought hard and outscored Chaos 6-3. It was not enough and the seventh ranked Chaos advanced while the second ranked Chrome went home.
In addition to outscoring Chrome, Chaos also had more accurate shots on goal. However, the real star of the Chaos offense appeared to be Jake Froccaro and his two 2-point goals. He was able to fire up the offense with both of those as well as contributing a single goal and a single assist.
Not to be outdone, two other offensive players had fantastic showings as well for Chaos. Josh Byrne seemed to score at will with his four goals and three assists. His four goals came on eight shots.
Dhane Smith also had a stellar game for Chaos. He shot at 75% with his contribution of three goals and three assists. The defense was solid as well.
Froccaro, Matt Rees and Patrick Resch each had two caused turnovers for Chaos. Rees also had four ground balls to lead the defense. They played as a solid group and seemed to have found their niche.
In goal, Blaze Riorden stopped 12 while letting in 14 for a save percentage of 46% for Chaos. His Chrome counterpart John Galloway had a save percentage of 39% with 11 saves and 19 goals against.
Connor Farrell was the shiny part of Chrome as he continued his faceoff domination. He went 24-31 winning 77% of the time, setting a PLL record.
Also looking brilliant for Chrome were Jesse King and Jordan Wolf. Each contributed a hat trick and an assist. Matt Gaudet also had a hat trick. The Chrome defensive leaders were Jordan MacIntosh, Mike Manley and Jesse Bernhardt. All three had one caused turnover and three ground balls they contributed to their cause.
Chrome was slightly dull during some of their transitions and shot selections. Their play was not as clear as it had been in the past. This was fortunate for Chaos who organized themselves as a unit and will advance to the next round on the strength of their first win of the season.
Chaos now awaits the winner of the Archers/Atlas game, and will play their semi-final on Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC Gold.
