Minnesota Swarm Win a Thriller in Overtime

February 6, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. -The Minnesota Swarm (3-2) won an overtime thriller against the Rochester Knighthawks (2-3), 7-6, on Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center Friday night in front of 9,645 fans. The victory was the first home win for the Swarm this season and its first win at The Hive against the Knighthawks since the 2012 season.

Swarm forward Callum Crawford (1g) scored the game-winner in overtime at the 12:39 mark on a long snipe from out deep. Crawford's heroic score marked his 200th career goal in the NLL.

"The crowd was incredible and I think for us to play a game like that for a crowd like this will do a lot for our organization," Crawford said. "I think it shows everybody the quality that the Swarm and this team can provide."

In front of a loud and energetic crowd celebrating Native American Heritage Night, the Swarm started out strong, scoring five goals in the first half and held the Knighthawks to just one goal. Rochester regained its strength and went on a five-goal scoring streak in the third quarter to claim its first lead of the game at 6-5.

The lead was not kept long as team captain T Andrew Suitor (1g, 1a) tied it up in the fourth quarter and re-energized the crowd. The game was kept at a tie for the rest of regulation, until Crawford sunk the game-winning goal in overtime.

"I'll tell you what, in this league if you hold a team under 10 goals, you've done your job," Swarm coach Joe Sullivan said. "So to keep a team like Rochester with their scoring power and experience to just six goals, I'm happy for our guys as it boosts their confidence and it lets them believe in their system and themselves."

A majority of Minnesota's scoring came from 2014 NLL Rookie of the Year, forward Logan Schuss (3g, 1a) who had a natural hat trick in the second quarter and also added an assist on the game-winner. Transition player Jordan Macintosh (3a) put up three assists on the night bumping his total to 11 on the year.

"Higgy" was chanted all night long by the enthusiastic crowd as Swarm goaltender Zach Higgins put up a strong performance in net with 35 saves and only six goals allowed. This was Higgins third start in net and his first at home. Forwards Miles Thompson (1g, 2a) and Shayne Jackson (1g, 1a) were on the score-sheet once again with a goal each in the first quarter, which extended their individual point streaks to five games.

"A win's a win to me so overtime or not I just love getting wins," said Higgins in regards to collecting his first career win in overtime.

Rochester fought back in the second half with five straight goals but was unable to hold off the attack of the Swarm. Forwards Cody Jamieson (2g, 2a), Dan Dawson (2g, 1a) and Craig Point (1g, 3a) led the Knighthawks. Goaltender Matt Vinc was in net for the Knighthawks and made 39 saves.

The Swarm will be at home for another Friday night game next week as it plays host to the Toronto Rock, and then travels to Toronto for a Saturday evening matchup in part of a home-and-home series.

"It's always tough to play up in Toronto; it's great to get back here at home next Friday," Sullivan said. "It's just another challenge we need to get ready for like they did this week."

The Swarm returns to Ho-Chunk Nation Field at Xcel Energy Center on Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. CT to face the Toronto Rock for Heroes and SuperHeroes Night. Fans are encouraged to dress-up as their favorite SuperHeroes for the game. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-888-MN-SWARM or visit www.mnswarm.com for purchasing information.



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 6, 2015


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