With under a minute left, Nick Papa came through, scoring the goal that proved to be the difference in Fayetteville-Manlius’ 7-6 road victory over Liverpool.
The goal came about a minute after F-M’s goalkeeper, Ryan Boshart, came up with a huge save and it ended the back-and-forth affair between the teams that featured a fourth quarter that was intense and grew more dramatic as time ticked away.
The final 11 minutes was an emotional roller coaster for both sides. But, when it came down to it, Boshart locked the goal and did everything that he could to be the wall that he had been throughout the second half.
Liverpool’s only second half goal came with 7:17 left in the game and tied the game at six.
That was something that F-M’s head coach, Chris Kenneally, brought to his team’s attention after the game. Although he said that, overall, they have to play better lacrosse, he did say that he was pleased with the defense that they played in the second half.
The defense did a great job of working with Boshart down the stretch. They forced Liverpool to take low percentage shots and were physical with them, something that the midfield adopted early on. None of the members of the defense committed any penalties.
Cleanliness on the defensive end was a common theme for the Hornets, as they got called for one penalty and two technical fouls. Luke Hamel was penalized for slashing and then James Rettinger interfered with a play and a hold was called on Tommy Ryu.
Once Papa’s shot made it passed the goalie, the Hornets could ignore the mishaps for a few hours and focus on the good things that went on.
Five players scored for F-M. Papa’s game-winner, which was his second goal of the game, will be the one that will stick in our memories, but, there were other goals that allowed the Hornets to be in that position.
Donovan Welsh also had two points, as he had a goal and an assist, but, Luke Burnam led the way with three points and had a trio of assists.
Ryan Cicci, Tommy Ryu, and Mac Fish also scored for the Hornets as they found a way to defeat Liverpool.
