MASL: Sloppy third quarter dooms Seawolves; playoff aspirations eliminated

Comets defender Kevin Ellis has 2 goals and 1 assist against the Seawolves. Photo by Robert Potes, EBC Florida Bureau, Eagle News Service

By Melissa Potes
EBC Florida Bureau

KISSIMMEE, Florida (Eagle News) – For most of the night the Orlando Seawolves played within their scheme against the Kansas City Comets but a sloppy third quarter, in which the Comets scored three goals, proved too much for the Seawolves to overcome as they lost 7-6. This loss officially ends Orlando’s chance for a post-season berth.

This game followed a similar pattern to Orlando’s most recent games.

“We have some decent minutes then we have moments of disaster where we give up bad goals,” said Seawolves Head Coach Tom Traxler. “Then we climb back in and then just when it looks like we can settle things down and start to build we give up more bad goals.”

The first half saw both teams alternate scores leading to a tie at the half. Poor decisions in the third quarter, however, would be problematic for the Seawolves. Although the Comets were limited in shots taken in the third period, they were able to score three out of their five attempts. The Seawolves leading scorer Gordy Gurson’s two goals helped them remain within striking distance but according to Traxler, “bad goals tonight came back to cost us.”

Although the Seawolves are eliminated from the playoffs, they still have reasons to play to win.

”It’s about pride now. That’s what you play for. You want to make sure that your supporters, the people that turn up that have supported us all year long, you reward them, you remember the loyalty that they’ve shown,” said Traxler.

Leading scorer for Seawolves Gordy Gurson, scores 1 of 2 goals vs. Comets. Photo by Robert Potes, EBC Florida Bureau, Eagle News Service.
Derek Huffman opened up the scoring for Seawolves. Photo by Robert Potes, EBC Florida Bureau, Eagle News Service.

(Eagle News Service)