Strong Issaquah Second Half Gets 14-8 Win Over Eastside Catholic

A perfect evening for lacrosse in the Northwest saw an exciting game between the Issaquah Eagles and Eastside Catholic Crusaders. In a game that saw several lead changes, but Issaquah found that second half they have needed for a while and won 14-8.  Eastside Catholic came into the game after a big win over next door neighbor Skyline last week.  Issaquah on the other hand, was riding a four-game losing streak from a trip back East and Mercer Island last week.  They regained form tonight and are looking renewed.

The Crusaders struck first on a goal from Jeff Foreman. Issaquah answered right back on a split dodge from Kevin Powers. Eastside Catholic regained the lead on a nice shot from the right by Kyle Decker. The Eagles held a long possession with no result and the Crusaders got an EMO presses the attack and Decker ripped a shot to give Eastside Catholic a 3-1 lead. Issaquah killed another penalty and cut the lead to one, on a goal by Jake Fritz. The quarter ended with Eastside Catholic holding possession on another EMO to take a 3-2 lead after one quarter of play.

Issaquah starting the second quarter a man down.  After some pressing defense and a fast clear aided by a spectacular side line save of the ball by Matt O’Neill.  He fed Powers for the equalizer at three.  With determination the Crusaders once again pressed the attack and regained the lead on a dodge from behind the goal by Colin MacIlvennie. Issaquah scored two more to take a 5-4 lead at halftime.

With the start of the third quarter Eastside Catholic fought back and off a dodge from behind, Ross Komenda scored and levels the score.  Most the of third quarter was neck-and-neck.  Goals and the lead changed more times than a chameleon by this point.  Powers and Fritz were emerging as big play makers, scoring goals and dishing assists.  Mike Rambaldini and MacIlvennie were Eastside's connection.  Late in the quarter, Eagles Ben Director and Matt O'Neill got in on the action and pushed the lead to three, swinging momentum Issaquah's way.  At the end of the quarter Issaquah led 10-7, with Eastside Catholic continued a late EMO going into the final quarter.  The Crusaders failed to capitalize on the power play and found Powers scoring on them again.  It was the awakening of the sleeping beast- with a tight defense and Powers leading the way.  Issaquah secured a 14-8 with over Eastside Catholic.

Players of the Game:

Issaquah

Kevin Powers- 7G, 6 groundballs

Jake Fritz- 2G, 3A

Matt O’Neill- 2G, 1A

O’Neill Hughes- 6 saves 

Eastside Catholic

Michael Rambaldini- 1G, 10 groundballs

Kyle Decker- 2G, 1A

Colin MacIlvennie- 2G, 4 groundballs

Colin Schriever- 4 saves