NLL Toronto Rock

Fourth Quarter Rally not enough for the Rock

Published on January 31, 2004 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release


Rochester, NY – The Rock rolled in Rochester on a snowy Saturday afternoon, wanting nothing more than to take home a much needed win against the Rochester Knighthawks. Tensions ran high, tempers flared and many penalties were called in the first half as both teams dished out their fair share of vicious hits.

Rochester's Shawn Williams drew first blood at 7:02, with the assist from Derek Malawsky. Just 50 seconds later, Williams squeaked past Toronto defense again and netted his second of the night. Toronto's Matt Shearer answered with one at 11:16, assisted by Painter and Toll. That was the last the crowd would hear from Rock offense until well into the second quarter.

The Knighthawks quickly took advantage of the failing Rock defense and netted 4 goals (Williams, Soudan, Hoar and Schiller) before Toronto's Colin Doyle shot one past Pat O'Toole. Rochester continued their attack with two more goals by Grant and Williams, his fourth of the night before the quarter was over. At the end of 2, the Knighthawks led 9-2, holding the Rock to just 2 goals; a franchise record low for Toronto.

The Rock started to look alive in the third as Doyle slipped another one by O'Toole at 5:33. Captain, Jim Veltman chipped one in at 9:07 assisted by Steve Toll to bring the Rock to 4. Watson was on top of his game as well, holding the Hawks at 9.

Going into the fourth, the Rock trailed by 5 points and the teams began trading goals. Jim Veltman, looked reduce that deficit when he netted a quick goal at 1:41. Rochester's Chris Schiller answered with his own at 1:50. Steve Toll put one in the top corner of the net on a breakaway, to bring the Rock within 4 once again but Rochester's Shawn Williams answered with his fourth of the night at 5:36. Colin Doyle completed a hat trick to bring Toronto within 4 for the third time that quarter. Rochester defense slipped up when they pulled their goalie with just 1:13 seconds left on the clock. Steve Toll scored on the empty net to bring the Rock within 2. The Rock jumped on the Hawks lapse and managed another goal just 5 second later. Despite the fourth quarter rally, the Rock succumbed to the Knighthawks with a final score of 11-10.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 31, 2004


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