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

On Saturday afternoon, the New York Riptide suffered their third defeat of the season, losing to the Toronto Rock, 14-8. Despite finding their rhythm offensively in the second half, the Riptide were ultimately unable to overcome the early deficit. Toronto remain undefeated, improving to a 3-0 record. Nick Rose continued his hot start to the season, making 41 saves and only allowed 8 goals on the night. With the win, Toronto moves into a tie for first place with the Albany Firewolves as the only remaining undefeated teams in the NLL.

In tonight’s contest, the first half was dominated by Nick Rose and the Toronto Rock. Nick Rose allowed just one goal in the first half. Dan Craig got the Rock on the board five minutes into the opening quarter, which was one of his team-leading six points in the contest. Jeff Teat answered shortly after, for the only goal for the Riptide in the opening 30 minutes.

In the second quarter, Dan Lintner scored two goals in his 100th career game, extending the Rock’s lead to 6-1 at the half. Both offenses found their grooves in the second half as we saw both teams get to the back of the net consecutively. Dan Craig got the scoring started once again for the Rock in the third quarter. Stephen Keogh made his debut appearance with the Riptide and scored a highlight goal to bring the Riptide to 3-9.

Keoghhhhhhhh

#28 Stephen Keogh in his first game with the Riptide getting a goal on the board #turnthetide pic.twitter.com/qRy2bqIFW2

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 30, 2023

Both offenses continued to light the lamp in the fourth quarter as Larson Sundown joined the scoring party twice, along with Reilly O’Connor and Jeff Teat. The goal for Teat was his 98th in his career, sitting just two shy of 100 goals for his career.

A straight rocket 🚀 from Jeff Teat pic.twitter.com/zjKyOq6O7p

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 30, 2023

Kiel Matisz, a consistent leader on the offense, focused on the team’s start to the game as the biggest area needing improvement. “We’ve got to have a little more jam, a little more purpose, a little more pride early in the game.” The Riptide made a valiant effort to comeback in the third quarter and even brought the game within four goals before running out of steam.

"We've got to have a little more jam, a little more purpose, a little more pride early in the game." – Kiel Matisz on the Riptide's approach today vs. Toronto. pic.twitter.com/ImtkSoYk4K

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 31, 2023

Kevin Brownell echoed a similar message to Kiel Matisz surrounding the slow start. “We’re doing a lot of really good things and have a lot of positives to take from it, but we’re not going to win many games if that’s the start that we continue to have.” Brownell went on to mention the importance of making the small plays to swing momentum back to their side during the opponent’s runs.

"It needs to start with small things." – defender Kevin Brownell on the team's keys to success. pic.twitter.com/3QPirXxmav

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 31, 2023

The Riptide will return to action in 2024 against the Philadelphia Wings on Sunday, January 7th in Philadelphia. The Rock will return to action again Friday, January 12th against the Halifax Thunderbirds. Both teams will face each other again in the Unboxed Series on February 16th in Place Bell, Laval, QC.