Warriors Unable to Overcome First Half Deficit

Methacton traveled to Coach McNelly Stadium last night to take on the league leading Rams of SpringFord in their third consecutive PAC-10 game in as many days.  The hosts won the opening faceoff and were able to find the net first on an unassisted tally from Carter Gensler.  SpringFord established offensive possession and got a shot off which was saved by Methacton Goalie Jake Blitzer.  Unfortunately, Blitzer was unable to corral the rebound and Gensler collected the loose ball and deposited it in the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.  

The first quarter saw both teams struggle to generate any real offensive looks despite drawn out possessions on both ends.  Both defenses early but SpringFord was able to take advantage of a defensive miscommunication in front of the Warrior's goal as Alex Marte fed Kevin Todd to stretch the lead to two goals.  That lead was broaded just under a minute later as Marte found Cody Davis for the third goal of the game.  The first quarter ended with the hosts enjoying a 3-0 lead. 

Much like the first quarter, the second quarter left both teams searching for offensive opportunities in the midst of strong defensive pressure.  The Warriors began the second frame with a man advantage following a 3-minute non-releasable stick penalty.  Shortly into the penalty, Keith White was able to gain position and took a shot that looked to hit just inside the upper right corner of the goal, but the referees did not allow the goal stating that they thought it hit only the crossbar.  The Wariors were unable to capitalize on the advantage despite creating a number of open looks.  SpringFord goalie Matt Messerle made an incredible point blank save on a Ryan O'Toole shot to preserve the three goal lead.  With just under four minutes left in the half, Keith White was able to beat his defender above goal line extended and beat the SpringFord keeper to the back pipe to pull the visiting Warriors within two.  SpringFord however, would respond just under a minute later with a Zach Hare goal on an Alex Orcutt feed to take a 4-1 lead into the halftime break. 

The third quarter opened with more strong defense and remained scoreless until Dom Germano took the ball in transition and created early offense by going to the goal himself.  He was able to beat his man and dodged past the slide to beat Messerle to the near pipe to narrow the margin to two goals.  This would prove to be the only goal in the third period.  

The fourth quarter began with the Warriors firmly in control of the momentum as the Rams drew a second three minute penalty for an illegal stick.  This time they were able to cash in as Connor Stevenson fed Keith White on the wing to pull the visiting Warriors to within one goal.  Methacton dominated possession early but an errant pass on the offensive end led to a transition opportunity for SpringFord that was finished by Danny Krieble.  With time winding out on the game the Warriors drew a slashing penalty and SpringFord capitalized once again with Alex Orcutt firing a laser from the top of the box.  Keith White finished the scoring on a feed from Jack Ryan with only 28 second left to bring the final tally to 4-6.  

Methacton falls to 2-3 overall (2-1 PAC-10) while SpringFord moves to 4-1 overall (4-0 PAC-10).  The Warriors return to play on Friday visiting league foe Boyertown.