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Swarm Defeats Toronto, 13-10

February 27, 2009 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


TORONTO, CANADA - The Minnesota Swarm (3-5) ended its five-game winless streak with a 13-10 come from behind victory over the Toronto Rock (5-4) Friday night in front of 13,324 at the Air Canada Centre. F Kevin Buchanan led the Swarm with six points (5-1=6) and G Kevin Croswell made 44 saves in the victory. F Chris Driscoll (2-1=3), F Luke Wiles (2-1=3) and F Craig Conn (0-3=3) each had three points for Toronto while G Bob Watson made 40 saves in the loss.

Slow starts for the Swarm have been problematic over the last month, leading to its five-game winless streak, dating back to a 10-9 loss to Buffalo (1/24). Friday marked the seventh time in eight games this season the Swarm allowed the first goal as Chris Driscoll put Toronto on the board just 2:19 into the game. F Sean Pollock responded at 7:52 to tie the game before the Rock posted three consecutive goals to end the first quarter with a 4-1 lead.

Kevin Buchanan dominated the second quarter for Minnesota scoring three goals to lead Minnesota's comeback. After falling behind 6-2 early, Minnesota gained the momentum with four consecutive goals, including two from Buchanan to cut Toronto's lead to 7-6 at halftime. F Ryan Ward had a goal and assist and F Colin Achenbach also scored to help lead Minnesota at the end of the first half.

Minnesota completed its comeback in the third quarter, taking its first lead of the game, a lead it would never relinquish. Recently acquired F Aaron Wilson tied the game for Minnesota at 1:06 before Driscoll regained the lead for the Rock at 4:10. Buchanan then scored two more goals to lead the charge for Minnesota, which ending the quarter with four un-answered goals to take an 11-8 lead. F Kevin Ross and F Dan Marohl also scored for Minnesota.

Toronto was hopefully for a fourth quarter comeback, but was unable to mount a charge despite back-to-back goals from F Kasey Beirnes. F Andrew Watt scored for Minnesota and Wilson added his second goal of the game at 13:49 to seal the 13-10 victory for Minnesota. Ward (1-4=5) and Pollock (1-4=5) each added five points for the Swarm; Marohl (1-2=3) and Wilson (2-1=3) also added three points in the win.

Minnesota will look to build on tonight's victory and try to avenge its loss earlier this year with a game tomorrow night against the Buffalo Bandits, 6:30 PM (CST) at the HSBC Arena. It is the third of five consecutive road games for Minnesota and the final game before the 2009 NLL All-Star Game. F Ryan Cousins and D Nick Inch will represent Minnesota at the All-Star game next Saturday, March 7th at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

Minnesota's next home game is Saturday, March 28th vs. the Calgary Roughnecks. Swarm single game tickets are on sale now at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 888-MN-SWARM or by visiting www.mnswarm.com. Swarm Single game tickets are available in all price categories and range from $13.00 to $65.00.

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