Paul Gate Notches Overtime Goal to Edge Rochester, 13-12
The Long Island Lizards advanced to the first-ever Major League Lacrosse Championship game with a come-from-behind overtime victory over the Rochester Rattlers. Bud Light MVP Paul Gait scored the game-winning-goal 32 seconds into overtime, giving Long Island the 13-12 victory. Ryan Powell led Rochester with four goals. MLL Championship Weekend is being held at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The MLL Championship Game is scheduled for Monday, September 3 at 1:00 PM. Long Island will face the winner of today’s second semifinal between the Baltimore Bayhawks and Boston Cannons.
The Lizards started the game with two quick goals, by Sean Radebaugh and Casey Powell. D’Arcy Sweet scored the first goal of the game for Rochester, beating Sal LoCascio and cutting the lead to 2-1. Ryan Powell would tie it up moments later, followed by Tim Soudan scoring the third in the row for the Rattlers. Terry Riordan tied it back up at 3, putting the ball in the corner of the net with only one second remaining on the shot clock. Sean Radebaugh and Terry Riordan have Long Island a 5-3 lead as the first quarter expired.
The two teams traded goals throughout the second and third quarters, with the game being tied on numerous occasions. Casey Powell gave Long Island a 7-6 lead with a long-range rocket shot that beat Brian Dougherty, however, Cory Kahoun came back scored two goals in a row to give Rochester an 8-7 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Jake Bergey scored less then a minute into the quarter, giving Rochester a commanding 9-7 lead. Gary Gait used his signature behind-the-back shot, cutting the Rattlers lead to one, followed by A.J. Haugen tying the game on a bounce shot. Rochester would then score three in a row, from Ryan Powell, Jake Bergey, and Cory Kahoun, giving the Rattlers a 12-9 lead with just over five minutes to play. In an excellent position, the Rattlers made a point to use the entirety of the shot clock on every possession, however, it wasn’t enough to stop Terry Riordan and the Gait brothers. Each of the three had a goal and an assist in a three goal run, eventually tying the game at 12 with just over a minute to play. Rochester had numerous scoring opportunities as the end of regulation approached, but Sal LoCascio came up big and sent the game into overtime.
Rochester won the initial draw in overtime, however, the Lizards stole the ball back and called a timeout. Steve Sombrotto made a terrific play, setting up the game-winning goal. Casey Powell picked up the ball and dished it to Paul Gait, who bounced it past Brian Dougherty, sending the Long Island Lizards to the inaugural MLL Championship Game.
Rochester finishes the season at 8-7, a good finish for the teams first year. Long Island is improves to 11-4, and plays the winner of the Baltimore/Boston semi-final this Sunday at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport, CT. For tickets to Monday’s game, visit Major League Lacrosse on the internet at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com
