Top Lax Recruits
Top Lax Recruits -
By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 3/22/16
GARSDEN CITY, N.Y. – Lucas Cotler tallied two goals and one assist to boost Syosset to a 6-3 victory today over host Garden City as two Top 20 teams from Long Island opened their seasons in a traditonal rivalry.
“Garden City is a very formidable opponent,” said Cotler. “We came out with a lot of energy and we fought hard. We have a ways to go. Our defense played amazing and they are all jelling together. I’m excited to see what this group can do. It is a long season and I’m excited for it.”
Syosset, 18-2 last year when it reached the state semifinals in Class A, is No. 14 in the C2C North America rankings. Garden City, a perennial Class A power, is ranked No. 18. Syosset has won the last two meetings after bowing in the previous five games between these rivals – all on opening day.
Garden City’s Jamie Atkinson got his team on the board first at 9:42 of the first quarter. But the Braves Syosset responded with a 3-0 run to close the period.
After a scoreless second quarter, the Braves’ Liam Kalbacher scored his first of two goals at the 8:37 mark giving Syosset a 4-1 lead and the Trojans never got closer than two goals.
Macaire O’Keefe added one goal and three assists for Syosset.
“Garden City is a tremendous program,” said Syosset head coach John Calabria. “To be in a situation where we are able to beat them early in the year is just great for our guys and for our confidence. They are a great program and have a great coaching staff.
“Steve (coach Steve Finnell) and I play this game, Game 1, every year because we know we will get a quality look at our guys. It was a tight game, it was back and forth. Both sides have some work to do as we go through our respective conferences. I’m just happy to come out on top. I’m very proud of our guys.”
Luke McDaid and JP Basile tallied one goal each for Garden City.
“There were too many turnovers for us,” said Finnell. “Syosset played well and took advantage of our mistakes. They did a very good job at the face off X.
“We played defense for long periods of time and I thought our defense played well. To hold them to six goals is outstanding. Our defense played great but we didn’t pick it up on the offensive end. It’s a little frustrating in that regard. We have a very tough Smithtown West coming in on Saturday.”
Syosset 6, Garden City 3
Syosset: 3-0-3-0-6
GC: 1-0-1-1-3
Syosset: Lucas Cotler 2G, 1A; Liam Kalbacher 2G; Macaire O’Keefe 1G, 3A; JP Lanning 1G
Garden City: Luke McDaid 1G; Jamie Atkinson 1G; JP Basile 1G; Sean Coughlin 1A; Tyler Wuchte 1A
Saves: Brandon Feit (S) 7; Teddy Dolan (GC) 7
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