LI Outlasts Adirondack, 12-4

July 23, 2010

Port Washington’s Jake Froccaro scored twice, added an assist and handled faceoffs against Adirondack. Photo by Kyle Laviolette Port Washington’s Jake Froccaro scored twice, added an assist and handled faceoffs against Adirondack. Photo by Kyle Laviolette

Buffalo – Long Island endured wind, rain and rumblings of thunder at Canisius College on Friday. The boys lacrosse team also grew frustrated with Adirondack’s zone defense and clock-eating offense. But the players became downright unhinged when Adirondack goalie Bob Wardwell raced up the field and scored.

Day 2 of the Empire State Games got off to an alarming start for the four-time defending champs.

Yet Port Washington midfielder Jake Froccaro won the opening faceoff of the second half and Smithtown West attack James Pannell scored just 8 seconds in as Long Island shook off a 3-2 halftime deficit.

It was the first of 10 second-half goals for Long Island, which improved to 3-0 with a 12-4 win. With games remaining against Central (Friday, 8 p.m.) and New York City (Saturday, 5 p.m.), Long Island has all but locked up a berth in Sunday’s gold medal game.

Froccaro, Pannell, West Islip’s Michael Sagl and East Islip’s Kevin Wendel each had two goals in the win. Northport’s Thomas Cordts started in goal and made seven saves.

Smithtown West’s Kyle Keenan, playing the role of X attack, got the offense in a groove in the second half. He found a cutting Wendel with 5:57 left in the third and the East Islip scorer converted to put Long Island on top 4-3. Keenan finished with four assists.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Adirondack 1 2 0 1 4
Long Island 1 1 4 6 12

Goals – AD: Cox, D’Amario, Sperry, Wardwell LI: Froccaro 2, Pannell 2, Sagl 2, Wendel 2, Gamblin, Gordon, Jones, Walsh. Assists – AD: Cox LI: Keenan 4, Andreassi 2, Froccaro, Gerrato. Saves – AD: Wardwell 15 LI: Cordts 7.

Gamblin Nets 5, LI Rolls 13-7

July 22, 2010

Hicksville's Brandon Gamblin (far right) gets a handshake from Hudson Valley after scoring five goals at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Jason Molinet.
Hicksville’s Brandon Gamblin (far right) gets a handshake from Hudson Valley after scoring five goals at the 2010 Empire State Games. Photo by Jason Molinet.

BUFFALO — Long Island went on the attack Day 1 of the Empire State Games and emerged 2-0 after pelting the Hudson Valley goal in a 13-7 win Thursday afternoon at Canisius College. Hicksville rising senior attack Brandon Gamblin charged into the teeth of the Hudson Valley defense and scored just 1:17 into the game. It was the first of five goals for the UMass-bound scorer.

And yet Gamblin’s offensive outburst wasn’t even the most impressive highlight of a day filled with memorable moments. No, those belong to West Islip midfielder Michael Sagl. The understated senior has been a key cog in two state championship teams. Against Hudson Valley, he showed a little flair when he scored on an over-the-shoulder, behind-the-back shot — twice.

Once again, FOGO Jake Froccaro a rising junior from Port Washington, helped Long Island control the game by owning the faceoff circle. It helped the Island take a commanding 9-3 lead midway through the third quarter.

East Islip’s Kevin Wendel double pumped, sending a Hudson Valley defender flying past him to open a clear path to the net, also drew sideline raves. His score extended the lead to 10-3 with 1:25 left in the third.

Northport goalie Thomas Cordts made eight saves to earn the win.

Long Island has two more games on Friday. It faces Adirondack at 11 a.m. followed by the highly anticipated showdown versus Central under the lights at 8 p.m. With two winnable games left on the schedule – Adirondack and New York City – Long Island may have already positioned it self to reach the gold medal game.

So the prime time showdown against Central will be telling. For now, Long Island can sleep well having outplayed and outlasted host Western and always-respectable Hudson Valley. It’s a strong first day by any measure for coach Jay Mauro and Co.

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 F
Hudson Valley 0 2 2 3 7
Long Island 3 2 5 3 13

Goals – HV: Caffrey 2, Mcreddie 2, Bonaventura, Donohue, McNally LI: Gamblin 5, Sagl 2, Keenan, Jones, Miller, Pannell, Walsh, Wendel. Assists – HV: Caffrey, Dedomenico, Schurr LI: Keenan 3, Andreassi, Gamblin, Gerrato, Pannell. Saves – HV: Grace LI: Cordts 8.