WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Sailfish (2-2) fell to Westminster College (3-0) in a hard-fought battle, ending with a score of 13-10 on Saturday at PBA SoccerLax Field. Despite a fierce comeback with five goals in the fourth quarter, PBA couldn't overcome Westminster's powerful second and third quarters, which saw them net five goals each.
Noah Zimmerman was on fire, leading the charge with a career-high three goals and one assist, converting on seven shots, with four on target.
Donovan O'Toole chipped in with two goals from three shots, all on goal, making a significant impact on the scoreboard. In the net,
Jack Bryant stood tall with 14 saves against a barrage of 50 shots, anchoring the defense.
Tyler Degirolamo was a force at the face-off, winning 10 of 15, crucial for maintaining possession and sparking the offense.
The game kicked off with the 'Fish securing early possession thanks to a successful face-off by Degirolamo. Despite initial offensive drives, including a shot by Zimmerman, the 'Fish turned the ball over, allowing Westminster to score the first goal at 13:17 for an early lead.
Westminster doubled their advantage with a second goal at 11:54. The Sailfish struck back when
Jackson Trevaskiss seized a man-up chance to score at 8:28, cutting the gap. Westminster added another to make it 3-1, but O'Toole responded for the 'Fish at 3:22, wrapping up the first quarter with Westminster ahead 3-2.
As the second quarter got underway, the Sailfish again won the face-off, setting up early attacks. However, Westminster capitalized on extra-man situations to pull ahead, shifting the momentum.
Despite the 'Fish's efforts to regain control, Westminster extended their lead with more goals. O'Toole managed to find the net, trimming the deficit, but Westminster quickly countered to maintain their lead.
The quarter ended with PBA trailing 8-3, as multiple scoring chances for both teams went unfinished.
Entering the third quarter, the Sailfish secured another face-off win thanks to Degirolamo, setting up Zimmerman for a goal, assisted by
Eli Baffone, chipping away at Westminster's lead. Yet, Westminster answered with a trio of goals, stretching their advantage.
Bryant's defensive heroics, including key saves, aimed to halt Westminster, but the visitors capitalized on extra-man plays to widen the gap. Zimmerman struck again with an assist from Trevaskiss, igniting a late charge for the Sailfish.
The third quarter closed with PBA trailing 13-5, as Westminster outpaced them 5-2 in the period.
In the fourth quarter, PBA's defense set the tone with Bryant making a crucial save to stop Westminster's early momentum. This paved the way for an offensive burst, with Zimmerman scoring to chip away at the lead. The pressure mounted as
Dominic Barnshaw added to the tally, further closing the gap.
Patrick Law joined the scoring column with his first of the season, bringing the 'Fish within reach.
Cooper Porter capitalized on a key opportunity, tightening the score.
Lucas Sharrer, assisted by Zimmerman, added another as time waned, bringing the 'Fish closer. Despite this spirited rally, the game closed with the 'Fish just short at 13-10, as the quarter ended amidst turnovers and defensive stands.
Game Notes:
- The 'Fish captured a season high with 13 face-offs won in the game.
- PBA fired a season-high 42 shots during the contest.
The 'Fish return to action on Friday as they take on Alabama Huntsville on the road.