Patriots Defeat Previously Unbeaten Massapequa 16-5!!! Freud Great In Goal!!!

Ward Melville overcame an early on charged up Massapequa team to take down the previously unbeaten Chiefs 16 - 5 at the Four Star Lacrosse Classic at Farmingdale H.S. Senior goalkeeper Ricky Freud played his best game yet with some huge saves that left the rain-soaked Patriots fans cheering wildly on their feet.

The Chiefs took the early lead in the first quarter with midfielder Matt Zash controlling the first six faceoffs and Massapequa taking a 3 – 0 lead, but the Patriots came roaring back scoring 5 unanswered goals. Senior midfielder Ed Rogan hit on two unassisted goals, while seniors Peter Kasper and Jon Matsui combined for two more. Junior attackman David Schwartzberg found the back of the net on a great behind-the-back assist from Matsui. Junior midfielder Ryan Blaney paved the way by picking up two faceoffs along the way. First quarter ended with Melville up 5 – 3. 

The 2^nd quarter proved to be the goalie’s highlight film with big saves for both sides, but senior Ricky Freud stole the show when he made a series of stops all in one sequence of play. Freud made two huge saves on hard Massapequa shots from short range and then dove back across the crease stopping a third hard shot from Zash on the rebound.

A great effort by Ricky! The 1^st half ended with the score WM 6 Massapequa 4.

Ward Melville erupted for 10 second half goals. Matsui and Rogan combined for 5 goals and junior midfielders Ryan Preuss and Michael Ward hit for 3 more, but the standout goal for the half was contributed by senior defenseman Thomas Theodorakis. Theo picked up a ground ball, ran the field, and fired a long stick goal past the Chiefs goalie while getting hit after the shot. Way to go, Thomas!

3^rd quarter score WM 10 Massapequa 5.

In the 4^th quarter, The Patriots added 6 more goals and shut out the Chiefs in the final period. Senior midfielder Jordan Funt led the way with a quick-footed unassisted goal that started from the behind the cage. Five more goals were added by senior midfielder John Keysor, Matsui, Ward, Schwartzberg, and an unassisted great move by Preuss.

The Patriots put on a second half tear by outscoring the Chiefs 10 – 1. Final 16 – 5 score.

“The most important thing is we are starting to play better as a team,” said Ward Melville head coach Joe Cuozzo. “The defense was outstanding and Ricky Freud played tremendous in goal tonight. We’re gaining more momentum as we get back into our league season.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PATRIOTS ON WIN #5!!!!!

WM plays Smithtown on Monday April 15, 4:00 p.m. at the home field.

Please be there to support your Patriots 2002!

Go Patriots!

FACE-OFFS