Pat Maddelena drives hard to the goal

 

Lacrosse history was made in South Florida on Saturday, January 3rd as the Toronto Rock defeated the New York Titans 15-14 in front of 5,733 fans at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL.
 
The Florida Lacrosse Cup, presented by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, marked the first professional lacrosse game ever in the State's history.  The fans in attendance were treated to an incredible season opener by both teams that was'nt decided until the final 37 seconds.  "The players left it all on the floor and showed South Florida the excitement of professional indoor lacrosse" said FLC Director of Operations and Team USA General Manager, Graham D'Alvia.
 
Game MVP Blaine Manning scored four goals, including the game-winner with 38 seconds left in regulation.

After 2008 Goalie of the Year Bob Watson stuffed New York's Pat Merrill's potential game-winner, Stephen Hoar transitioned the ball upfield to Manning, who buried the game-winner past New York goaltender Matt Vinc.

New York held early 2-0 and 3-2 leads, but Kasey Beirnes scored back-to-back goals for the Rock to put them ahead. Toronto led 8-6 at halftime and 12-8 after three quarters, but Casey Powell led New York's fourth quarter comeback. The Titans captain scored three goals in the final frame, including the game-tying goal with 1:44 remaining.

Lewis Ratcliff, Luke Wiles and Beirnes scored three goals apiece for Toronto while Jason Crosbie and Bill McGlone added singles. Crosbie led Toronto with six assists, while Ratcliff had five and Wiles had four. Watson finished with 44 saves in the win.

Powell led New York with six goals, while Jordan Hall and Mike McLellan chipped in two. Brendan Mundorf, Greg Peyser, Pat Maddalena and Jamie Rooney added singles. Powell and Boyle had four assists each for New York. Matt Vinc made 32 saves in the loss.

The game was surrounded by a fan festival outside the arena, a high school/middle school jamboree during the day, a halftime youth game and post game autographs by all the players.
 
"The NLL weekend was a success thanks to the efforts of our local volunteers in the lacrosse community" said Vice President of FLC and President of Lacrossewear, Bo Lamon.  "The leaders of our sport in South Florida stepped up to show the country that we're an area that is committed to growing the sport"

 

Toronto Captain Chris Driscoll, Trevor Osceola, Max Osceola of The Seminole Tribe of Florida, FLC President Kevin Finneran, New York Captain Casey Powell, FLC Director of Operations Graham D'Alvia and FLC Vice President Bo Lamon after Honarary Face-Off

 

Casey Powell scores one of his six goals