Patriots Stay Undefeated in Comeback Victory against

Smithtown 15 – 9!!

Ward Melville once again overcame an early first quarter deficit by staging a comeback victory against a fired up Smithtown Bulls team on a warm spring afternoon at the Patriots home field. The Patriots found themselves trailing 7 –1 early in the second quarter before finally breaking it open with six unanswered goals to end the first half all even at 7 – 7.

The comeback to tie the score in the 2^nd quarter started with an unassisted goal by senior Ed Rogan, and junior attackman David Schwartzberg adding a hat trick. Seniors Peter  Kasper, John Keysor, and Jordan Funt combined for three more to get even with the Bulls.

The 3rd quarter continues to be Melville’s strongest period of play as they outscored Smithtown 5 –1, and began to show their talents. With midfielders Michael Ward and Ryan Blaney winning faceoffs and ground balls, the scoring prowess by senior attackman Jon Matsui, Schwartzberg, and Keysor, and with the defense led by seniors Thomas Theodorakis, Doug Seale, Kevin Sullivan, and Eric Redeker tightening down on the Bulls attack, the Patriots started to pull it away. The 3^rd quarter ended at WM 12 Smithtown 8.

In the 4^th quarter, the Patriots added 3 more goals, 2 by Schwartzberg, and 1 by Kasper on a nice feed by senior attackman Billy Granger.  David Schwartzberg tied his season game high of 7 goals. Way to score, David!

Coach Joe Cuozzo commented on the game, “I was proud of the way the kids came back after a slow start today. They didn’t quit, and that showed our Ward Melville character. We still have problems to fix, but it was a great effort in the second half to take back the game.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PATRIOTS ON WIN #6!!!!!!

WM plays Patchogue-Medford on Wed April 17, 4:30 p.m. at the away field.

Please be there to support your Patriots 2002!

Go Patriots!

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