ORLIN & COHEN POSTGAME REPORT: RIPTIDE FALL TO FIREWOLVES 14-8

The New York Riptide and Albany Firewolves matched up in Albany Saturday night with the Albany Firewolves emerging victorious in this matchup. Alex Simmons continued to improve his rookie of the year pitch with another strong outing, leading the Firewolves offense with three goals and four assists. Doug Jamieson shut down the Riptide offense when he was called upon, making a total of 45 saves, and holding the Riptide to only 3 second-half goals. The Firewolves move to 9-2 and still hold the top spot in the NLL standings after finishing in last place during the 2022-2023 season: the best turnaround in the NLL. The Riptide continues to slide down the rankings after their third straight loss.

9 ➡️ 92 for the goal! pic.twitter.com/zBXDErYeKR

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) March 3, 2024

The Firewolves jumped in front early in this matchup, as Tye Kurtz scored the first goal of the game just 23 seconds after the opening whistle. Travis Longboat was quick to follow with two of his own goals as the Firewolves were up 3-0 before the Riptide knew what hit them. Connor Kearnan and Jeff Teat got the Riptide on the board in the first quarter, but Albany’s offense answered right back with two goals from Ethan Walker and a Powerplay goal before the end of the quarter to take a 6-2 lead into the second.

Undefended ⚡️Power Play Goal For Jeff Teat

US 2 | THEM 3 #TurnTheTide 🌊 #NYvsALB pic.twitter.com/IantbvmJsL

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) March 3, 2024

The Firewolves’ offense continued to roll in the second quarter and capitalize on the chances the Riptide defense and Cameron Dunkerley gave them. Alex Simmons and Tye Kurtz continued to be the best rookie duo in the NLL, combining for 13 points, the most for any combo in this game. Stephen Keogh got two goals back in the second quarter for the Riptide as Albany entered halftime with a 9-5 lead.

Keogh said "Gimmie Gimmie. I got this" pic.twitter.com/XgQHpL2QPk

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) March 3, 2024

Albany carried the momentum in the second half, scoring the first three goals to extend their lead to seven goals before Connor Kearnan scored his second of the game seconds before the third quarter ended. Despite the score, Cameron Dunkerley had a strong showing, making 49 saves while only being in goal for 12 goals. Doug Jamieson was strong on the other side as well, making 45 saves and allowing just 8 goals to improve to 9-0 on the season when he is in goal.

Kearnan gets the rebound and secures the goal

US 6 | THEM 12 #TurnTheTide 🌊 #NYvsALB pic.twitter.com/wRvSJhcPzI

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) March 3, 2024

New York Riptide coach Dan Ladouceur felt the team did the right things for the most part but struggled to stay consistent throughout the game. “No consistency, at times we did the right things and stuck to our game plan. The message after the game was that was not Riptide lacrosse, and we all need to have a look at ourselves and build from this.”

Coach’s thoughts following tonight’s 13-8 loss to Albany. pic.twitter.com/94STTAlT5N

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) March 3, 2024

The New York Riptide will return home next weekend to host the Las Vegas Dessert Dogs. The teams are both some of the newest additions to the NLL and this matchup will be the first time the two teams play. Albany will play again next weekend when they travel up to Rochester to play the Knighthawks. The Firewolves will be looking to secure a win over each team from New York this season if they can go to Rochester and win next week.

Tonight’s final stats, courtesy @OCSportsMed. pic.twitter.com/gQ31ZBRVXo

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) March 3, 2024