Matt Rambo did what Matt Rambo is used to doing in the Premier Lacrosse League – winning in overtime. The Whipsnakes’ forward ended Atlas’ quest to stop the defending champions’ win streak when he scored in OT for the 12-11 Whipsnakes win on Friday night. The Whips’ streak is now at 11. The powerhouse club remains unbeaten this season. In fact, the Whipsnakes last lost in 2019.
Atlas head coach Ben Rubeor stated, “we talked [at the half] about being consistent and steady. Nobody looks at the scoreboard at the half. They look at the scoreboard at the end of the game.”
And even though Atlas gave the Whipsnakes a well-played game, it was not enough in quarter four or overtime. And, as NBC Sports colour analyst Ryan Boyle commented, “they [the Whipsnakes] are just really good.”
Homewood Field has been home to some historically exciting lacrosse games. The last time the Premier Lacrosse League played in Maryland, the games sold out. Last night was no exception. Both sides had guys with ties to the state and neither team disappointed. And even though only one team won, both teams should be proud of their solid goaltending from Kyle Bernlohr and Jack Concannon.
Also solid was the defense with few flags being thrown. Most of the turnovers were a result of solid defense, not poor offensive play. Concerning was league MVP Zed Williams who took a hard hit from Tucker Durkin. He returned in the third quarter but struggled for the remainder of the game. Williams came into the game tied with Lyle Thompson for the most goals scored this season. Number 11 came as a long blast that was almost a two-pointer.
Not struggling were several offensive players for the Whipsnakes and the Atlas. Eric Law, Bryan Costabile, Matt Rambo and Jake Carraway were solid throughout the game. Mark Cockerton tied the game 11-11, for the fifth tie of the game, after Law picked up a rebound and made it 11-10. The assist on Cockerton’s goal was highly-touted rookie Jeff Teat’s first PLL point.
After a frantic scramble to try and score, the game headed to overtime.
Atlas had the ball first and went on the attack. Despite several shots, they could not put the ball in the net. Whipsnakes took over and after having a hard time moving the ball through the defense, Rambo took over and powered the ball in for the win with a bounce shot between Concannon’s legs.
And, once again, Maryland celebrated Matt Rambo, who was and remains a lacrosse legend in that state as he led Whipsnakes with three goals and a pair of assists.
Atlas LC will have to regroup and focus on what went well in the game – they came just shy of knocking off the defending champs.
Both teams are off Saturday and return to play Sunday, with Atlas facing off against Cannons and Whipsnakes taking on Chrome.
