It was the battle of New York as the Riptide were able to earn their first victory a 16-10 score, of the season over the Albany FireWolves in National Lacrosse League on Saturday in MVP Arena.
New York was able to get on the scoreboard early and climbed their way to a four goal lead in what was their first ever victory in the 2023 National Lacrosse League Season. For Albany they had themselves a milestone moment as Hiana Thompson had his 100th career point.
The Riptide after struggling so mightly in the face-off circle were able to find a formula for success against Albany. After getting the great start it was Jeff Teat that had opened the scoring for New York. Connor Kearnan helped the Riptide keep the pedal to the medal in scoring the second goal, sneaking the ball under the cross bar.
Teat was able to strike for his second goal of the content as he bounced one past Albany keeper Doug Jamieson. The highlight real continued for New York thanks to a goal by Larson Sundown was able to create space for himself and found the back of the net.
Albany was able to respond back with their first goal of the game thanks to Connor Kelly, but the Riptide saw Sundown tally his second of the game when he fought his way through the sea of Albany defenders and recording a goal.
New York showed a ton of fight and grit and thanks to that was rewarded when Kevin Brownell beat the shot clock to increase the lead. Newly acquired Brett Hickey showed New York what he could do by pushing the lead to six goals.
Just minutes into the second period Teat tallied a hat trick, as the Riptide continued to apply the pressure on the Albany defense. Within seconds out of a TV timeout Tyler Digby drilled a ball in from deep in the field.
Albany did show some fight on their side of the fence, as they found a goal thanks to Colton Watkinson received a pass in transition and took that ball to the cage and scored. With time ticking off in the period Teat was able to find his fourth goal of the game and gave the Riptide a 10-2 lead.
The FireWolves started to find their mojo in the Second Half, thanks to a goal by Kieran McCardle, who buried a ball. Tanner Thomson continued the momentum for Albany by firing the ball low and cutting the lead to 10-5. Teat was able to help the Riptide regain the momentum with his fifth goal of the season. Things went back and forth between the two teams in what was an action packed lacrosse game.
New York gained a 15-7 lead thanks to Reilly O’Connor bounded one between the Albany goalkeepers legs, before Teat had himself a ESPN highlight type move by finding space in teh center of the floor and went nearside low.
Albany continued to fight and scratch and claw, but ultimately it was the Riptide defense standing tall and earning the 16-10 victory.
Up next for the Albany FireWolves they will have a roadtrip to Philadelphia on February 4, with the face-off of that game starting at 7:00 p.m.
As for the Riptide they will return to the friendly confines of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to host the Buffalo Bandits on January 28, with the face-off set for 7:30 p.m.
For more information on the Albany FireWolves fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: