The Albany FireWolves (2-6) were defeated by the Las Vegas Desert Dogs (3-5), 12-10, at the MVP Arena in Albany on Saturday evening. The game went back and forth throughout, but the Desert Dogs shut out the FireWolves in the fourth quarter to hang on for a narrow victory. Despite the loss, Albany goaltender Doug Jamieson was stout in net, allowing just 11 goals while stopping 33 shots. Tanner Thomson led the Wolves with four goals and Kieran McArdle tallied seven points in the defeat.
Full statistics from tonight’s game can be found here: https://albanyfirewolves.com/game/803374114/.
| SCORE BY QUARTER |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
FINAL |
| ALBANY |
4 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
10 |
| LAS VEGAS |
4 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
12 |
Albany took the game’s opening faceoff after a scrum for the ball at center turf. On their first possession, they drew a Las Vegas penalty, quickly gaining a man-up advantage. The FireWolves were able to capitalize as John Piatelli opened the scoring. Just seconds later, the Desert Dogs got the goal back as Brandon Clelland netted their first of the night. Shortly after, Las Vegas took the lead as John Wagner scored the game’s third goal in just 20 seconds of game play. Fresh out of a television timeout, Albany tied the game up at two as Thomson went between the legs of goaltender Landon Kells. Keeping up the pace, Albany regained the lead as Ethan Walker caught a pass while just outside the crease and buried his first of the game. Following a holding penalty on the FireWolves, Zack Greer rifled one in from the right side to knot the game up at three goals apiece. With an almost identical shot as Greer, Reid Reinholdt found space on the right side and fired one into the back of the net. With just under two minutes to go in the quarter, McArdle juked out a Las Vegas defender and went low on Kells for a FireWolves goal.
After nearly six minutes of scoreless action to open the second quarter, the FireWolves were hit with a holding penalty, giving the Desert Dogs their second power play try of the game. Once again, it was Greer who scored a power play goal as he worked his way to the center of the floor and bounced one into the net, giving the lead back to Las Vegas. Albany wasted no time getting the score back, as Thomson was hit in stride before netting his second goal of the contest. The Desert Dogs once again regained the lead as Greer completed his hat trick after nice feed from Rob Hellyer. With just over a minute remaining in the half Sam Firth caught a pass in the middle and somehow found the back of the net as he was falling to the ground. The FireWolves had the final possession of the half, but were unable to score, as Las Vegas held onto a 7-5 lead heading into the break.
It took over three minutes for the first goal of the second half, but it came off the stick of Thomson who completed his hat trick and brought Albany within a goal. Las Vegas was tacked with a holding penalty, giving Albany a power play opportunity. Quickly, McArdle found Walker who was positioned behind the net before coming around the goal post for a dunk to tie the game at seven. The FireWolves found themselves on another man-up advantage with five minutes to go in the period and were able to regain the lead as McArdle put one between the legs of Kells. Less than a minute later, the Desert Dogs were penalized again, and Albany was able to extend their run as Thomson’s shot had some back spin on it and found its way over the line for a goal. Las Vegas was finally able to stop the bleeding with under a minute to go in the quarter as Hellyer fought his way through traffic and bounced one in. With four seconds left, Connor Kelly jumped off one foot and fired a shot into the net, giving Albany a two-goal advantage heading into the final period.
The FireWolves were caught out of position fighting for a loose ball behind the net, leaving open space for Charlie Bertrand who scored easily to bring the Desert Dogs back within one. Las Vegas quickly tied the game at 10 as Hellyer rifled one between Jamieson’s legs. The Desert Dogs continued their run and took the lead on a missile from Jon Phillips who connected from deep. Down a goal with six men on the floor, Albany turned the ball over, setting up an open net goal for Connor Kirst. The FireWolves were unable to score on their final possession as Las Vegas squeaked out a 12-10 victory.
The FireWolves will face the Georgia Swarm on back-to-back weekends, starting with a road game next week. Albany will return home to take on the Swarm on Saturday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. For more information regarding tickets and Indigenous Heritage night, visit www.AlbanyFireWolves.com or call/text the FireWolves front office at 518-362-4900.
About Albany FireWolves
The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League out of the MVP Arena in downtown Albany, NY. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or visit AlbanyFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbFireWolves, Twitter @AlbFireWolves, and Instagram @AlbFireWolves.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.
For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information visit NLL.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences. ASM Global’s diverse portfolio of clients benefit from the company’s depth of resources and unparalleled experience, expertise and creative problem solving. Each day, the company’s 61,000 passionate employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners and amazing experiences for guests. By consistently looking for new ways to envision, innovate and empower the spaces and places that bring people together, ASM Global elevates the human spirit while delivering the highest value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.
About MVP Arena
MVP Arena is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, MVP Arena opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League, the Albany Empire of the National Arena League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit www.mvparena.com.
