In a game that had everything except the ending New York fans desperately wanted, the San Diego Seals barely escaped Nassau Coliseum with a 15-14 victory over the surging Riptide in what proved to be one of the most dramatic season openers in recent memory.
Early Struggles Set the Stage
The home opener didn’t begin as scripted for the Riptide faithful who packed Nassau Coliseum with playoff expectations. San Diego jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage behind Stony Brook University standout Kevin Crowley, who opened the scoring and immediately put the home crowd on edge.
However, this wasn’t the same Riptide team that struggled in previous seasons. Callum Crawford answered back to get New York on the scoreboard, sparking what would become a back-and-forth battle that showcased exactly why both teams entered as playoff favorites.
The first quarter ended in a 3-3 deadlock after O’Connor and Teat helped the Riptide claw back from their early deficit, setting the tone for what would become an offensive showcase.
Second Quarter Momentum Swings
The Riptide appeared to seize control early in the second quarter when Tate and Fox combined to give New York a 5-3 advantage. The Nassau Coliseum crowd sensed something special brewing, but the experienced Seals had other plans.
San Diego’s championship pedigree showed as they responded with four of the next five goals, retaking the lead and heading into halftime with an 8-6 advantage. The momentum swing demonstrated why the Seals remain a powerhouse in the league and “always a threat to win it all.”
Third Quarter Troubles
The third quarter proved to be the Riptide’s undoing, though they showed flashes of their potential. Dan Lomas scored to bring New York within one goal, but the Seals countered effectively, extending their lead to 11-7 heading into the final frame.
This quarter would be “one that the Riptide will want back,” as missed opportunities and defensive lapses allowed San Diego to build what appeared to be a commanding advantage.
Fourth Quarter Heroics and Heartbreak
What happened in the final quarter will be talked about in Nassau Coliseum for years to come. The Seals, looking to put the game away, scored twice more to take what seemed like a commanding 15-10 lead with just four minutes remaining.
But Jeff Teat and the Riptide had other plans.
In one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent lacrosse memory, New York exploded for four consecutive goals, pulling within one with just 33 seconds left on the clock. The arena erupted as the impossible suddenly seemed possible.
The Riptide won the crucial faceoff and raced down the field for their final chance at glory. With 6.2 seconds remaining, the entire arena held its breath as Jeff Teat appeared to have tied the game. The celebration was immediate and deafening.
Then came the review.
After what felt like an eternity, officials ruled the goal inconclusive, declaring no goal. The arena’s reaction was immediate and unmistakable – letting the officials know exactly what they thought of the decision. The Seals recovered possession and ran out the final 6.2 seconds to escape with the victory.
Stellar Goaltending Performance
Despite the loss, Steve Orleman provided a silver lining for Riptide fans with a spectacular performance between the pipes. The netminder made 38 saves on 56 shots, keeping his team within striking distance throughout the high-scoring affair.
Post-Game Analysis
Head coach Dan Ladouceur provided insight into his team’s performance and future outlook:
“The biggest thing between this team and the [2021-22] one is our lacrosse IQ in situational play, which we saw tonight,” Ladouceur explained. “There were all kinds of situational play where you know we didn’t necessarily make the right decision. We didn’t protect the ball. Again, and it feels like I’m making an excuse, but I’m not. I think you add some Noseworthy’s, your MacRae’s and your Stouros’s back in that lineup, Callum on the offensive end, I think we make some better decisions.”
Looking Ahead
While the result wasn’t what the home crowd wanted, there were plenty of reasons for optimism. The Riptide proved they could go “toe to toe with the heavily favorited Seals of San Diego” and showed the offensive firepower that makes them dangerous.
The team’s ability to score seven goals in the fourth quarter and nearly complete an impossible comeback demonstrates the character and skill that should serve them well throughout the season. When their “big 3 on defense” return from injury, this Riptide team could indeed be “scary good.”
The Verdict
This wasn’t just a loss – it was a statement. The Riptide showed they belong among the league’s elite, taking one of the powerhouse teams to the final seconds in a game that could have gone either way.
The offseason moves to bolster both offense and defense are already paying dividends, and fans can feel confident that this team is “built to win and go hang with the big boy teams in this league.”
Next Up
The Riptide will look to bounce back on December 17th at 7:30 PM ET when they host Halifax at Nassau Coliseum. If this opener was any indication, fans are in for a treat this season.
As the saying goes in lacrosse – sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. The Riptide learned they can compete with anyone, and that might be the most valuable lesson of all.
LET’S GO RIPTIDE!!!
The next home game is December 17th, 7:30 PM ET at Nassau Coliseum against Halifax. Don’t miss what promises to be another thriller!
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