Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/15/08
All-Star Athan Iannucci scored two key goals as part of a 5-0 run to help the Philadelphia Wings rally past San Jose, 16-13, Friday night in National Lacrosse League action before 11,737 at the Wachovia Center.
Iannucci, a two-time Player of the Month choice who will start in Sunday’s All-Star Game in Edmonton, followed a goal by Jamie Rooney with his two scores to give the Wings (7-1) a 13-12 lead with just over four minutes left in the game.
Kyle Sweeney (Springfield-Delco) made it 14-12 with his second goal and newcomer A.J. Shannon scored to make it 15-12. Goalie Rob Blasdell (41 saves) later iced the game with an empty-netter.
The first-place Wings remain one full game ahead of Minnesota (7-3) in the East Division race.
“It was a great defensive effort,” said Wings’ coach Dave Huntley. “I thought our team showed a lot of character.”
Iannucci had four goals and two assists while Jake Bergey had two goals and three assists and Rooney had two goals and two assists. Jason Crosbie and All-Star reserve Geoff Snider each had a goal and three assists while John Christmas (Lower Merion) had a goal and two assists. Jim Borell added one goal.
The Stealth (5-4) outscored the Wings, 4-2, in the third quarter to tie the game at 10 going into the final quarter. Jeff Zywicki led San Jose in scoring with four goals and two assists.
The Wings will return home again on Sunday, April 6 to face the Toronto Rock at 8:00 p.m.
