The Albany FireWolves (2-7) were defeated by the Georgia Swarm (1-7), 20-4, at the Gas South Arena in Georgia on Saturday evening. The game was close after the first quarter, but the Swarm opened the flood gates in the second and never looked back, scoring six goals while shutting the FireWolves out. The two teams will meet again next weekend in Albany.
Full statistics from tonight’s game can be found here: https://albanyfirewolves.com/game/803392273/.
| SCORE BY QUARTER |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
FINAL |
| ALBANY |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
4 |
| GEORGIA |
3 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
20 |
Both teams came up empty on each of their first few possessions, but after penalties on both teams midway through the period, former FireWolves forward Andrew Kew opened the scoring with a low shot from the center of the floor. The Swarm got their second goal of the contest minutes later as Seth Oakes buried a low shot on Justin Geddie. The FireWolves were able to get one back as Connor Kelly came from around the back of the net to dunk the ball in for a goal. Following a FireWolves penalty, Kew wasted no time notching his second of the night, giving the Swarm a 3-1 lead in the waning seconds of the quarter.
Georgia kept the momentum early in the second quarter as Lyle Thompson went low from the left side and added to the Swarm lead. After penalties on both sides, Shayne Jackson trailed a fastbreak and was hit in stride to give Georgia a four goal lead. On the next possession, Jackson got his second of the game as he found space just in front of the net. Georgia kept their foot on the gas as Bryan Cole scored in transition after an Albany turnover. Seconds later, Jackson completed his hat trick to give the Swarm an 8-1 advantage with just over six minutes remaining in the half. After an Albany penalty, Kew completed his hat trick as he rifled one in from the center of the floor. The FireWolves were unable to score with the final possession of the half as the Swarm took a 9-1 lead into the break.
Albany temporarily stopped the bleeding a minute into the second half has Hiana Thompson buried the FireWolves’ first goal since the first quarter. The Swarm wasted no time getting the goal back as Hiana’s brother Lyle scored a one-handed goal from behind the net. Thompson then scored on the Swarm’s ensuing possession as he dove across the crease and netted his third of the night. After another Albany penalty, Kew fired in another power play goal, his fourth of the game. On their following possession, Georgia managed to get a couple offensive rebounds before Kew had an open look and capitalized once again. Albany notched their third of the game as John Piatelli took advantage of a FireWolves power play. The scoring continued for Georgia as Thompson went low from the center of the floor and netted his fourth of the night. Brendan Bomberry got into the scoring action as he came out in transition and drilled a twister from just outside the crease. The Swarm were penalized again at the end of the third, as Albany took about a minute remaining of a power play into the final quarter.
Still on a man advantage, Piatelli notched his second of the contest just seconds into the fourth quarter. Georgia was quick to get the score back as Thompson was wide open in front of the crease and beat Geddie from point blank. Keeping up the pace, Zach Miller walked in close and fired in his first of the game. After an inadvertent whistle, Kew completed a sock trick as he pushed the Swarm lead to 14. The Swarm recorded their 19th goal of the night as Oakes bounced one in from deep, his second. Despite being a man down, the Swarm made it 20 as Kew drilled his seventh goal of the contest.
The FireWolves will face the Swarm next weekend in Albany 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.
