By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg
TopLaxrecruits.com, Posted 3/30/13
GARDEN CITY, NY – Matt Rambo had two goals and two assists in the second half to spark visiting La Salle to a 7-4 victory today over Garden City in a battle of two of the nations’ top-ranked teams.
The Explorers (2-0) dealt the Trojans (2-1) their first loss after 24 straight wins. Last year GC was undefeated and branded the mythical national champion.
Rambo scored just 10 seconds into the second half to break a 2-2 tie and the Explorers led the rest of the way.
Rambo made it 4-2 minutes later and after the Trojans drew within 4-3 Mike Rihm made it 5-3.
Garden City drew within one goal late in the third period, but again Rambo struck, this time with a nifty feed to Stephen Hudak (two goals) for the goal that gave La Salle breathing room. Adam Schaal later iced it.
This article will be updated with comments from both teams.
“Any time you can come to Long Island and get a win and beat a team that hasn’t lost in over a year that is a good day,” said LaSalle coach Bill Leahy, “Two men down, six penalties shows a lack of discipline so we need to work on that from top to bottom starting with me.
“Garden City is a heck of a program and so well coached. I thought defensively and in our goaltending we did a really great job.”
La Salle found itself in a two-man down situation in the third quarter, but goalie Nick Hreshko (six saves) made a key save to keep it tied.
“The defense did a good job on that play and I got myself in the best position to make that save,” said Hreshko. “I got down on it and it was just luck that it hit my foot.”
La Salle’s defense excelled in the fourth quarter, blanking the dangerous Garden City attack.
“This was a big win,” said Rambo. “If it wasn’t for our defense and our goalie, Hresko with those big saves, we would have lost this game.”
Brian Badgett scored two goals for Garden City and Justin Guterding added one goal and one assist while Cody George scored once.
“They have some very talented players,” said Garden City head coach Steve Finnell, “They are a very good team. We made too many mistakes but it is stuff that is correctable and that is why we play the schedule that we do. We challenge ourselves but we came up a little short today.”
La Salle 7, Garden City 4
LS: 1-1-3-2-7
GC: 1-1-2-0-4
LS: Matt Rambo 2G, 2A; Steve Hudak 2G; Michael Rihm 1G; Brian McNamara 1G, Adam Sehaal 1G
GC: Brian Badgett 2G; Justin Guterding 1G, 1A; Cody George 1G; Lucas Clay 1A; Luke McDade 1A
Saves: Nick Hresko (LS) 6, Dan Dolan (GC) 3