By James Boyle
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/23/12
John Liebig scored in overtime to lift Northeast to a 4-3 victory today over George Washington, 4-3, for its second consecutive Public League lacrosse boys’ lacrosse Championship at the Gratz Supersite.
“(It’s the) best feeling in the world,” said Liebig, who had two goals. “Two-time undefeated champs. It’s great… there’s nothing like it.”
George Washington (14-2) and Northeast (11-5) have met in each of the first three championship games. Northeast has won the last two matchups.
With the first over-time period winding down, Eric O’Brien took a shot that went off the post. Seconds later, O’Brien found himself with possession once again and assisted Liebig’s winning shot.
“Just hurry and get it in,” said O’Brien of Liebig’s game-winner. “I didn’t know how much time was left.”
Dave Fieldhouse and Eric O’Brien had Northeast’s other two goals. Frank Doran, Mike Vargas and Matt Ragan each had one assist.
Northeast scored once in each of the first three quarters, but was held scoreless in the fourth by George Washington’s defense.
George Washington trailed by one goal after the first quarter, but managed to tie the game by halftime thanks to unassisted goals from Jason Link and Tori Gordon. Link had another opportunity to score in the third quarter, but his shot went wide, off the post.
“It’s tough for the seniors. For most of them it’s the end of the road for them,” said George Washington head coach John Creighton. “Lacrosse has only been around the city for a few years, and I had the athletes and slowly turned them into lacrosse players.
“The heart that these guys showed and the hustle and to take them into overtime; unfortunately we just came up short.”
Trailing again in the third quarter, George Washington forced overtime with another goal from Gordon. Phelan Sweeney had George Washington’s only assist.
“I think this will make the kids coming back work harder,” added Creighton. “They really, really, really want to get this win against Northeast.”
Northeast goalie Scott McGrath had seven saves. Robert Franklin had 12 saves for George Washington.
Northeast 4 George Washington 3, OT
NE:
John Liebig 2 goals
Eric O’Brien 1 goal 1 assist
Dave Fieldhouse 1 goal
Matt Ragan 1 assist
Frank Doran 1 assist
Mike Vargas 1 assist
GW:
Jason Link 1 goal
Tori Gordon 2 goals
