Warrior Stage Impressive Comeback in Martin County Victory!

On Friday, Feb. 17, the Warriors traveled down south to take on fellow unbeaten Top 20 team, Martin County. West Orange faced a 7-2 deficit late in the third quarter before mounting a furious comeback to steal a 10-9 victory over the Tigers.

WO got on the board on their first possession of the game with junior midfielder Nick Witten dodging and ripping. Stout defense held both teams in check until the final seconds of the quarter when Witten, once again, cranked a shot off an assist by senior midfielder Zach Malaussena, giving the Warriors a 2-1 advantage after one quarter of play.

Defensive play ruled the second quarter with the Warriors getting strong contributions from senior d-poles Jake Fromberg and Alex Kouchalakos and sophomore Rob Luette. Sophomore goalie Sam Malaussena stepped up huge with key saves throughout the night, ending with a career-best 13 saves.

A late penalty on the Warriors in the second quarter set up the Tigers for an impressive run of goals scored. MC tagged the net three times in the final 27-seconds of the half and again just 17-seonds into the third quarter, for four goals in 44-seconds of game time. Their streak of six unanswered goals continued past the midway point of the third quarter, giving the Tigers a 7-2 lead.

The Warriors would answer soon after, with senior midfielder Daniel Luette beginning the comeback with a nifty unassisted goal. Zach would win the ensuing face-off and charge down the middle of the Tigers’ defense for an unassisted goal of his own.

WO missed an opportunity for a third-straight goal in a man-up possession that faltered and led to fast-break goal for the Tigers, who remained comfortable with an 8-4 lead. However, another Tiger penalty put the Warriors up a man once more and this time WO capitalized with a blazing shot by senior midfielder Justin Bittenbender off an assist from Daniel. The third quarter ended with the Warriors down 8-5.

The Warriors continued their run in the fourth quarter when senior attackman Mikey Berkman threaded the needle with an assist to Daniel for the goal. Senior attackman Liam Mueller took advantage of a defensive mismatch and brought the Warriors to within one goal.

On the Tigers next possession, Robert intercepted a pass and drove the length of the field before passing off the fast-break to Liam, who quickly fed Mikey down low. Berkman’s cross-crease pass to junior attackman Ryan Burdon tied the ball game.

The Warriors gained the lead back when Liam took advantage of another defensive mismatch for his second goal of the game. Mikey sealed the deal, scoring off an assist from Justin. The Tigers were able to bring the game within one goal with 13-seconds remaining in the game. However, after winning the final face-off, the Tiger midfielder lost possession – and his stick – after a crushing body check from Daniel.

The Warriors offense would not have been able to mount the six-unanswered goal comeback without the aid of their defense, which intensified their pressure throughout the fourth quarter. Senior short-stick and long-stick defensive midfielders Stephen Hoover, Nolan Dyer, Jon Finch and Christian Magac played great alongside their close-defense counterparts.

CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SECOND HALF COMEBACK!

The Warriors travel next to take on fellow 5-0 opponent Winter Park on Friday, February 24.