Falcons Wins Wild Game 1

2013 TPWHL Playoffs Semi-Final - Game 1: (1) Saints vs (4) Falcons (Boxscore)

Photo by Esther Dzura

Falcons Lead Best of Three series 1-0 with an 8-6 Win over the Saints in Game 1.

The Falcons built an early 4-0 advantage 1:09 into the 2nd period with 4 Goals from Saverio Romano (#4), 1 assist by Bill Rankin (#60) and 2 assists from Meghan Hines (#29). On one of the goals Meghan made a sick pass through the Saints' forwards to Saverio for the goal.

After a slow start for the Saints Michael Iacovone (#31) woke them up by scoring a Hattrick 3 minutes apart, all 3 assisted by Jerry Mariano (#76) to change the momentum. On 2 of the goals Mike made amazing shots to beat the goalie. They eventually tied the game 4-4 on a goal from Erin Vassilakos (#2), who was left alone in front. It was truly a spectacular comeback.

The Saints took their first lead of the game 5-4, 2 minutes into the 3rd period on Michael Iacovone's 4th goal of the 2013 playoffs. However the game was far from over. Saverio Romano gave the Falcons the 6-5 lead again with 2 goals midway through the 3rd, both assisted by Meghan Hines who had a 5 point game. With 3 minutes left Erin Vassilakos once again tied it for the the Saints at 6-6 on her 2nd of the playoffs off a tough rebound, goal was assisted by Jerry his 5th point.

In the final minute Saverio Romano scored 2 to secure a wild 8-6 win for the Falcons, it was his 7th and 8th of the playoffs which was impressive. It was also an inspired effort by Lorne Donnelly of the Falcons, who played with an arm injury.

After playing in the game, if it continues to be high scoring I believe the series could still go either way. Also both goalies Eli Shupak (#1) and Torrance Ho (#30) are more than capable of making a difference for their teams.

Honourable mentions to James Lawton (#9), Bryan Rakowski (#22), Sean Celsie (#25) of the Saints, Sam Palmeire (#1), and Steven Davis (#23) of the Falcons who all played their hearts out.

Game 2 is on April 13th.