Emotional Victory Has New York Lizards Punch Ticket to MLL Championship

The New York Lizards Celebrate going to the 2015 MLL Championship. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports

If you had to describe the August 1 game between the New York Lizards and Boston Cannons into one word it would be emotional.

There were so many emotions shown at Shuart Stadium, excitement, heartbreak, nerves, thrills all balled into one night and one moment.

Many months of training, blood, sweat, tears had all built up this team to the moment where they would face their Major League Lacrosse rivals the Boston Cannons in the Semis of the 2015 MLL Playoffs and earn the 16-15 OT Victory to advance to the 2015 MLL Championship.

At first things were not looking good at all for New York, as Boston was on a roll. The Cannons did it all from winning face-offs to batteling it out for possessions to even getting quick goals.

JoJo Marasco. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports

It wasn’t until the 1:56 mark that JoJo Marasco got the Lizards on the board for the first goal. The feeling amongst the crowd was that the momentum had changed at that point in time, but the Cannons were able to quickly counterpunch with two additional goals.

The momentum had shifted so many times that you were uncertain of how the final script was going to be written.

Just when it had seemed as if maybe the New York Lizards were going to punch their ticket earlier in the night, the Boston Cannons had one final run of offense in them.

Helping to lead the way in a thrilling effort in the Second Half was former Lizard Max Seibald who had two two-point goals . Boston was able to force the game into overtime as John Glesener was able to find the back of the cage twice to get the momentum back in favor of the Cannons.

Matt Gibson is surrounded by his teammates during one of his four goals scored in the New York Lizards OT victory over the Boston Cannons. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports

With most of the 4,941 in attendance at Shuart Stadium starting to cheer for the New York Lizards, the home team was able to get a thrilling goal in OT when Matt Gibson found the back of the cage with 2:46 into the extra time session.

Gibson, who has been such a difference maker for the team all season long; was huge in this game against Boston having scored three other times in the game.

Here were some of the other impressive statistics from the leaders for the New York Lizards.

Paul Rabil recorded two goals and two assists against his former team. JoJo Marasco and Rob Pannell both recorded four points each. Greg Gurenlian went 19-32 on face-offs and Keeper Drew Adams made 20 saves.

With the victory, New York advances to its first championship game since 2010. The Lizards, who last won the Steinfeld Cup in 2003, battle the Rochester Rattlers next weekend in the championship game. The contest, which emanates from Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., is set for Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. For tickets to the championship game, please visit MajorLeagueLacrosse.com/championship-game.

1495 Sports is proud to bring the following postgame video:

Featuring:

Matt Gibson, Drew Adams and Head Coach Joe Spallina: