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Edmonton stuns Swarm with epic fourth-quarter rally

April 3, 2010 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, MN - The National Lacrosse League's Minnesota Swarm (5-7) suffered a heart-breaking overtime loss against the Edmonton Rush (9-4), 13-12, in front of 8,935 fans Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center.

Decked out in their commemorative pink and black jerseys, Minnesota came out hard behind the home crowd on a night where the NLL aimed to increase breast cancer awareness through promotions, donations and support. After F Aaron Wilson (2g, 3a) buried a rebound for the first goal, the Swarm held a led all game until the final 14 seconds when Edmonton's Gavin Prout (2g, 2a) tied the game, sending it to overtime.

Edmonton's Brodie Merril (3g, 2a) scored the game-winner in overtime to cap a six-goal fourth-quarter rally. The Swarm still hold a playoff spot and will have a chance to clinch next weekend.

"It was a tough loss," Head Coach Mike Lines said. "We gave that one away."

F Callum Crawford's (5g, 5a) five goals tied Minnesota's single-game goals record and his 10 points fell one short of the Swarm's franchise record.

Crawford continues to shatter his career-high numbers. His 10 points on the night gives him the team lead with 73, overtaking Wilson's 69.

Crawford exploded for two big goals in the second quarter, including a knee-buckling fake shot that forced Edmonton G Matt Disher to the floor, allowing Crawford the open net. Disher was then pulled after allowing eight goals on 22 shots. As of late Friday night, Crawford, who was already named NLL Overall Player of the Week in late February, tied for fifth overall in the NLL points standings.

F Ryan Benesch (3g, 3a) helped the Swarm get out to a fast start, collecting his own rebound in front of the net to give Minnesota a 2-0 lead. Eighteen seconds later, Wilson added to his team lead in goals (29) with a rip from the point. Edmonton showed life with three unanswered tallies to stop the bleeding before the Benesch-Crawford show put it into high gear, combining for the next six Swarm goals.

Minnesota went into the break with a 9-6 lead and came out on cruise control, tightening up the defense behind Patterson, who continued to be rock solid between the pipes. The Swarm held Edmonton scoreless in the third quarter, but the Rush strung together an epic rally late in the fourth quarter with some hard-earned goals from F Andy Secore (1g, 5a), F Corey Small (1g, 2a) and Edmonton's hero, Merril.

Benesch tallied a hat trick in the first quarter. G Nick Patterson stopped 53 shots in the losing effort.

Don't miss "It Ain't Easy Being Green" night this Friday, April 9 at Xcel Energy Center. Celebrate Saint Paul's Irish heritage and environmental stewardship when Minnesota takes on the Rochester Knighthawks at 7:35 p.m. CST. Bring your old cell phone to receive ticket discounts thanks to FOX9 and My29. Hit up the Swarm Postgame Party at Alary's Bar. Tickets are available online at mnswarm.com or by calling 888-MN-SWARM.



National Lacrosse League Stories from April 3, 2010


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