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Panther City Lacrosse Club

Panther City Defeats San Diego, 11-10

April 16, 2022 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Panther City Lacrosse Club News Release


San Diego, California - The Panther City Lacrosse Club (7-9) defeated the San Diego Seals (9-7), 11 - 10, at Pechanga Arena Friday night.

Forward Phil Caputo set the tone for the offense, netting four goals to lead all scorers, including two back-to-back goals in the fourth quarter to give Panther City the lead with less than 30 seconds remaining. It is the second time this year that Caputo has scored his season-high four goals, and he passed the 30-goal mark in a season for the first time in his career. Two of Caputo's goals were assisted by rookie forward Patrick Dodds, who became just the ninth rookie in NLL history to dish out 50 or more assists in their first season. Dodds finished with a game-high six points on four assists and two goals of his own.

On the defensive side of the ball, Panther City goaltender Nick Damude held the potent Seals offense to just 10 goals on 55 shots (.818 save percentage). The defense also held San Diego to just three goals in the second half, and just one in the final quarter, giving Panther City the team's first fourth quarter comeback in franchise history as the team continues to learn from mistakes and build chemistry, a focal point for head coach Tracey Kelusky.

Panther City next returns home to battle the Georgia Swarm (8-7) on Saturday, April 23. Faceoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Dickies Arena.

Quotes

Head Coach Tracey Kelusky

On the adjustments the team made at half...

"We got back to what we were doing in the first quarter. We got away from it in the second quarter. I thought we were sloppy. We didn't transfer the ball very well in transition, which led to our offense being stale and not getting into a rhythm. Defensively, we just got away from closing gaps and playing tenacious - the way we played in the first quarter and second half. We stuck with the process and trusted it and dove into it that much more."

On holding teams to under 11 goals scored...

"History tells us. History tells us when you back and look at it that you have to manufacture 12 [goals] to get a win and if you hold a team under that then you are going to have a real good shot. Our defense did their job and on the contrary the offense did their job. We are built by process. We have to manufacture so many. We have to do that piece by piece, quarter by quarter in five-minute segments. The guys knuckled down and Nicky Damude stepped up big time."

On Phil Caputo's performance tonight...

"It solidifies the fact that we do everything offensively by committee. It doesn't matter whether it is Doddsy [forward Patrick Dodds], Malcs [forward Will Malcom], Dean Fairall, Cam Milligan, or Phil Caputo stepping up or Jeremy Thompson. We can do things by committee. Tonight was Phil's night. They were dropping for him. I think the way he got his goals - hard area of the floor, going to the net, taking a shot and getting blown up, but his commitment to getting to the front of the net was huge. Kudos to him."

On Patrick Dodds becoming the ninth rookie to record 50 or more assists in a player's rookie season...

"It is unbelievable. I am happy for him. I am proud of him and he is a student of the game. He is an elite player for a reason. Obviously, he has the pedigree behind him, and he has proven that. I am glad he is able to do this at the pro level. He is only going to get better. Certainly very proud of him and it doesn't happen by chance. It happens because he works at it and he works hard on his craft."

On the message to the Panther City fans as we approach the team's final two home games...

"If you look at who we are as a lacrosse club and our identity - I don't know a whole lot about Fort Worth. I have been there for less than a year, but the history tells me that Fort Worth folks are hard workers, they are prideful of the area they come from and they are blue collar. That is who we are as a lacrosse club. I urge people to come out and watch us. They will have a lot of fun. We are a true representation of the city. We are trying to represent."

Goalie Nick Damude (45 saves, .818 save percentage)

On beating his former team...

"It feels great. That is a great organization over there, but it feels good to get a win anywhere. So, we are just happy that we are still in the playoff hunt, and that's the main thing, just getting the win."

On his performance tonight...

"We had a little success on runs when we played them earlier, so we knew we were capable of shutting them down for most of the game. It got away from us in the second period, but the D played unreal in front of me for those three other quarters and we just got the job done. The O scored when they needed to and it just feels unreal to come in here and get a win."

Forward Phil Caputo (four total goals, including the game winner)

On the win...

"It means everything. It means another fight for another weekend for playoffs. So winning this one was huge, and now our focus is on Georgia next weekend."

On coaches' message at halftime...

"He was saying that things were getting stale up front, so he wanted us to play faster, execute more and cut more. So, I think we came out in the second half and accomplished that."

On what the team has learned through the ups and downs this season...

"I think the biggest thing is that you can't just show up in this league and expect to win. You gotta come out, play a full 60, play our systems, play fast, play hard and then you will get the outcome you want. Tonight, was a perfect example of that."

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