Rock Lose Heartbreaker
April 9, 2004 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release
The Toronto Rock certainly aspired to have a âGood Friday' when they faced off against the Rochester Knighthawks in front of the Rock's second consecutive home sell-out crowd. This spirited tilt at the Air Canada Centre wouldn't have any great effect on the standings, however neither team would let this have any bearing on their performance.
The Rock-Hawk rivalry was in full force early in the first quarter. The rematch of last year's championship proved to be a heads up, hard- hitting game where dignity, pride and bragging rights were in place to end the regular season. Despite a late second quarter Knighthawk attack that led to two Rochester goals a mere 20 seconds apart, the Rock were able to bounce back with some goals of their own, keeping 18,821 fans cheering.
Blaine Manning and Aaron Wilson combined for three points each in the first half, giving the Rock a sleek 5-4 advantage at the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter action remained intense, full of powerhouse hits and stellar goaltending from both teams. Toronto remained on top with Manning continuing his domination contributing two goals and an assist, adding to his unstoppable seven point night.
Toronto entered the fourth and final quarter ahead by two.
Despite the racing cheers from the crowd and keeping the lead throughout the game, the Rock could not seize the Knighthawk's leading scorer Shawn Williams. By capitalizing on all scoring opportunities and managing to put three balls to the back of the net in the fourth quarter alone, Rochester gained the lead for the first time and would never look back. The Rock surrendered four unanswered goals in five minutes and with less than three minutes remaining, could not regain the lead. With the seconds winding down and Watson on the bench, the Rock could not pocket a tying goal that would take the game into overtime. One empty net goal clincher by the Knighthawks and the game was official, with the last minute attack by Rochester proving to be too much for Toronto and their disappointed fans. The Rock fell to the Knighthawks by a score of 13-11.
The Rock still clutch first place in the Eastern Division and receive a bye to the semi- final round where they will play the winner of the Knighthawks and the Buffalo Bandits. Join the Rock as they make the "Drive for Five" in what is guaranteed to be a bloodbath on Sunday, April 25th at 3:00pm at the Air Canada Centre.
• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 9, 2004
- Rock Lose Heartbreaker - Toronto Rock
- Stealth first round playoff game on Sunday, April 18 - San Jose Stealth
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
