Riptide Fall to Rock 14-8
December 30, 2023 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
New York Riptide News Release
On Saturday afternoon, the New York Riptide suffered their third defeat of the season, losing to the Toronto Rock, 14-8. Despite finding their rhythm offensively in the second half, the Riptide were ultimately unable to overcome the early deficit. Toronto collected their third victory of the season, improving to 3-0. Nick Rose continued his hot start to the season, making 41 saves while only allowing 8 goals on the night. With the win, Toronto moves into a tie for first place with the Albany Firewolves as the only remaining undefeated teams in the NLL.
In tonight's contest, the first half was dominated by Nick Rose and the Toronto Rock. Nick Rose was sensational to start the game, allowing just one goal in the entire first half. Dan Craig got the Rock on the board five minutes into the opening quarter, which was one of his team-leading six points in the contest. Jeff Teat answered shortly after, but that was all the scoring from the Riptide in the opening 30 minutes. In the second quarter, Dan Lintner scored two goals in his 99th career game, extending the Rock's lead to 6-1 at the half.
Both offenses found their grooves in the second half as the scoring picked up on both sides. Dan Craig got the scoring started once again for the Rock in the third quarter, while Steven Keogh scored a highlight goal in his first game playing for the Riptide after being acquired this week.
Both offenses continued to light the lamp in the fourth quarter as Larson Sundown joined the scoring party twice, along with Reilly O'Connor and Jeff Teat. The goal for Teat was his 98th in his career, sitting just two shy of 100 goals for his career.
Kiel Matisz, a consistent leader on the offense, focused on the team's start to the game as the biggest area needing improvement. "We've got to have a little more jam, a little more purpose, a little more pride early in the game." The Riptide made a valiant effort to comeback in the third quarter and even brought the game within four goals before running out of steam.
Kevin Brownell echoed a similar message to Kiel Matisz surrounding the slow start. "We're doing a lot of really good things and have a lot of positives to take from it, but we're not going to win many games if that's the start that we continue to have." Brownell went on to mention the importance of making the small plays to swing momentum back to their side during the opponent's runs.
The Riptide will return to action in 2024 against the Philadelphia Wings on Sunday, January 7th in Philadelphia. The Rock will return to action again Friday, January 12th against the Halifax Thunderbirds.
National Lacrosse League Stories from December 30, 2023
- Mammoth Rally for 12-11 OT Win - Vancouver Warriors
- Rock End 2023 with Another Win - Toronto Rock
- Riptide Fall to Rock 14-8 - New York Riptide
- What to Watch for vs. New York Riptide - Toronto Rock
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