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NLL Albany FireWolves

FireWolves' Comeback Falls Short Against San Diego

January 20, 2024 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Albany FireWolves News Release


Albany FireWolves' Anthony Joaquim and Nick Chaykowsky on game night
Albany FireWolves' Anthony Joaquim and Nick Chaykowsky on game night
(Albany FireWolves)

Albany, NY - The Albany FireWolves' (6-1) magical start to the season ended as they fell to the San Diego Seals (4-2) in their first loss of the season 14-7 at MVP Arena.

San Diego sprang out to a 7-2 lead in the first half, but the FireWolves chipped away to cut the lead to 7-6 in the third quarter. Transition goals from Jackson Nishimura, Patrick Kaschalk, and Nick Chaykowsky helped shift the momentum and Ethan Walker paced the offense with 4 points (1g, 3a). Alex Simmons, Tye Kurtz, and Travis Longboat rounded out the scoring with 1 goal each. Penalties, unlucky bounces, and another fourth quarter scoring run by the Seals ultimatley lead to Albany's first loss of the season.

The game started out with a slow first quarter as the teams both had power play opportunities and play was back and forth. The Seals scored the only two goals of the quarter and lead 2-0 at the end of the first.

It was more of the same in the second quarter as San Diego made a scoring run to extend the lead to 4-0, but Jackson Nishimura responded for Albany as he streaked down the floor for a shorthanded goal making it 4-1. The FireWolves defense did their best to limit the Seals and keep them at bay. Alex Simmons scored off of a set play out of a timeout with two seconds left in the half to cut the lead to 7-2 at halftime.

This was the FireWolves' biggest test of the season so far and they were able to respond despite the uphill challenge ahead of them.

Albany goalie Doug Jamieson was replaced by his back up Justin Geddie to start the second half and Geddie played a great third quarter that helped them close the gap. Walker scored in the first minute on a rocket to the top corner to start the quarter. The FireWolves were then hit with three penalties in the third, but killed off each of them while also scoring 2 shorthanded goals from Patrick Kaschalk and Nick Chaykowsky. Travis Longboat added another on the power play and the FireWolves brought the game within one goal at 7-6. Geddie only allowed 1 goal in the waning seconds of the third quarter to make it a 8-6 game going into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Seals offensive pressure was too much for the FireWolves despite great play by the defense. Penalties against Albany continued to limit their chances at a comeback and the Seals offense started to click. The FireWolves undefeated run came to end as the Seals pulled away for a 12-7 final. Justin Geddie made 28 saves in the second half. Austin Staats lead the Seals offense with 7 points (4g, 3a).

Next up for the Albany FireWolves is a bye week before they return home to MVP Arena against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs on Saturday, February 3 at 7 pm.

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Images from this story

Albany FireWolves' Anthony Joaquim and Nick Chaykowsky on game night
Albany FireWolves' Anthony Joaquim and Nick Chaykowsky on game night
   

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