NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Goodleaf Steps into the Spotlight

Published on March 20, 2014 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Angus Goodleaf grinned as he fielded questions from the media following Saturday night's 17-12 victory over the Toronto Rock. The Rochester Knighthawk goalie was fresh off one of the most impressive performances of his five-year National Lacrosse League career.

In front of nearly 11,000 fans at the Air Canada Centre, and thousands watching on national television, Goodleaf stopped 27 of 31 shots to earn his second career NLL victory.

"I was trying to do whatever I could (to help the team win)," said Goodleaf. "You just make the first save and go from there."

Goodleaf, who entered the contest in the second quarter, played over 40 minutes and was a key part of the Knighthawks' come-from-behind victory over the rival Rock. He held the Rock scoreless for over 16 minutes, which spanned the final minutes of the second quarter to the final minute of the third quarter.

While the offense was outscoring Toronto 12-3 in the second half, Goodleaf was knocking away shot after shot from some of the top offensive players in the league. He ended the night with a penalty shot save on Rock leading scorer Stephan Leblanc with under two minutes to play.

"Gussy' (Goodleaf) showed us how valuable he is," said Knighthawks Assistant Captain Mike Kirk. "He made big save after big save. He did his part to help us get the win in a tough place to play."

Goodleaf, who is in his second season with the Knighthawks, deferred the credit as he thanked his defense, singling out two of the team's shot blockers.

"I have to give credit to my roommate Llordy (Ian Llord), who stopped a couple of shots for me. Pauly (Paul Dawson) had a couple as well," said Goodleaf, who was all smiles after the game.

Llord finished the game with five blocked shots, while Paul Dawson had a big block in the third quarter with Rochester in the lead by two goals, 11-9. It was a dominating defensive effort as the Knighthawks held Toronto to just one goal in the first 23 minutes of the second half. Defensemen like Kirk, Jon Sullivan, Scott Self and Mac Allen also applied constant pressure on the Rock forwards, while Dylan Evans earned valuable possessions with 18 faceoff wins.

"That was a big game and a great second half," said Allen. "We got back to our principles, let the game come to us and Gussy played great."

Goodleaf, who was signed as a free agent during the 2013 season, has been solid all season long, playing alongside three-time NLL Goalie of the Year Matt Vinc. In 2014, Goodleaf has appeared in 55 minutes and has posted an incredible 5.41 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage. He also has a 1-1 record after this past weekend.

The win he earned in Toronto served as an early birthday gift for Goodleaf, who turned 27 years old while the team was flying to Philadelphia to finish up the two-game weekend.

"It was great. It's always fun winning and to come from behind like we did in Toronto, then picking up the win in Philly was awesome," he said. "It was a successful weekend that's for sure."

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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 20, 2014


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