Box Score ADRIAN, Mich. – It turned out to be a perfect day for the Adrian College men's lacrosse team as they wrapped up their regular season with a big come from behind win over MLC opponent Carthage College 9-8. The Bulldogs head into the conference tournament with a record of 13-2 and 8-0 in the conference.
Carthage jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first period on the back of two goals just 37 seconds apart and all four coming within the first five minutes. Adrian countered with three goals of their own in the opening period before the Red Men finished off the period on a goal with just five seconds left.
Junior David Monroe (Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron) scored at 13:40 of the second period to pull the Bulldogs within a goal. Senior Josh Maluta (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) came through for Adrian on Senior Day scoring at 3:27 of the second to tie the game going into halftime.
Adrian took control of the game in the third as they scored two unanswered goal by senior Jeff Ivey (Orangeville, Ont./Orangeville Secondary) and another by Maluta as Adrian led 7-5 going into the final period.
The Bulldogs came out and scored just 40 seconds into the final period on a goal by junior Tyler Tanguay (Port Colborne, Ont./Lakeshore Catholic). Carthage refused to go quietly as they scored three unanswered goal including two just 42 second apart to tie the game at 8-8.
It came down to the final minutes and what a way to end it as senior Ryan Knautz (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest) scored his 13th goal of the season with 4:49 left in the game to give the Bulldogs the game-winner. Freshman goalie Matthew Neal came up big for the Bulldogs in the final seconds as he made the save on Carthage's last shot with just 21 seconds remaining.
Tanguay and Maluta led the Bulldogs with two goals each. In all seven different Bulldogs scored on the afternoon. Tanguay and freshman Lido Aldini each picked up a game-high five groundballs.
In goal, Neal made 10 saves while also picking up four groundballs.
On the day, Adrian outshot the Red Men 38-to-27. The Bulldogs also had a 39-to-31 advantage in groundballs recovered. Carthage held a 12-to-8 advantage in faceoffs won. Both sides had their struggles clearing the defensive zone as Adrian was 13-for-18 while the Red Men went 16-for-20 in clear attempts. Neither team was able to score on their man-up opportunities as Adrian was 0-for-1 while Carthage was 0-for-2.
Adrian will host the Midwest Lacrosse Conference Tournament starting May 7 at Noon.
