Huge third quarter allows Wings to hold on, go 2-0

By Tom Hoffman

Proving that they are still a young team and a work in progress, the Philadelphia Wings rode a hot third quarter and held on to defeat the NLL's defending champs from Rochester by a 15-14 score. Athan Iannucci once again took game MVP honors, but this time solo, with a five goal, eight point evening. A crowd of 9,248 witnessed the penalty filled game at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center.

For the second straight week the Wings jumped out to a 3-0 lead, only to see their opponent come right back to tie the game. A Rob Blasdell outlet to Kyle Sweeney regained the lead for the Wings and was followed up by the first of three goals from top draft pick Merrick Thomson. The Knighthawks (1-2) scored three of the next four goals, including a penalty shot by John Grant Jr. before a Jake Bergey goal in the final minute gave the Wings a 7-6 halftime advantage.

Thomson started the third by completing his hat trick. After a Shawn Evans goal made it 9-7, the Wings scored the next four goals and had the building rocking heading into the fourth. That's when the defending champs came to life. Grant, held to just the penalty shot goal through three quarters, would score four times in the final stanza to take the comfort level away from the Wings and their faithful following. Many in the crowd were hoping Jamie Rooney's goal with a minute and 32 seconds left would be an insurance goal but it would turn out to be the game winner after Grant's fifth goal of the game and a goal by Matt Lyons with goalie Pat O'Toole yanked for an extra attacker cut the Wing lead to one. But the defense would shut the door on the Knighthawks in the final seconds and the Wings could enjoy moving on to a 2-0 start.

In addition to big nights from Iannucci and Thomson, Jake Bergey had another big game with four goals and three assists. Rob Blasdell made 37 saves in the effort. Now the Wings have to get ready for another explosive team when they host the Buffalo Bandits next Saturday evening before having a near three week break between games.

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