Albany, NY – The Albany FireWolves are one away from advancing to the National Lacrosse League (NLL) Championship after defeating the San Diego Seals 14-12 in Game 1 of the NLL Semifinals on Friday night in San Diego. First they face another physical and challenging game at MVP Arena today at 3 pm against the Seals who showed that they will not go down without a fight.
The FireWolves need the support of the Capital Region as they return home to MVP Arena for Game 2 today May 5 at 3 pm as they will be looking to continue their magical season with a shot at playing for the NLL Cup. Game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU and available on ESPN+ and TSN+.
Tickets for Game 2 are available now starting at $23. Get tickets here https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
Seize The Moment
The FireWolves’ big moment has come faster than expected and this team is ready to seize this franchise changing opportunity. To be able to transform a team that was last place in the NLL with a 3-15 record to now one win away from playing for the NLL Cup is the incredible story the FireWolves and the NLL need. From Head Coach/GM Glenn Clark all the way down to the rookies, this team has the belief that they can raise the trophy. The best is yet to come for the NLL’s comeback kids.
Youth Vs Experience
In Game 1 on Friday, the youngest team in the NLL, the FireWolves, used their young legs to race out an early lead as they surprised the oldest team the NLL, the Seals, who had beat Albany 14-7 back in January. Alex Simmons solidified his rookie of the year campaign with a 5 goal, 5 assist performance that tied current Buffalo Bandits’ head coach John Tavares’ 10 point output in 1992 as a rookie for the Bandits. The experience of the Seals roster allowed them to make their late game comeback and stay composed despite being down by five goals. With a full season and two playoff games under their belt, the FireWolves aren’t green anymore.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Ethan Walker is the veteran of the FireWolves offense at 26 years old and was the calming presence they needed. When Walker is on his game he makes the Wolves go.
Joe Nardella’s hardnosed play at the faceoff circle was crucial to delaying the Seals comeback and helping Albany go on their big runs.
John Wagner continues to be an impact player on defense and in the middle of the floor with his slick play. The little plays that he makes to get loose balls and cause turnovers make such a big impact.
Opposing Players To Watch
Curtis Dickson has been scoring big goals for a decade in the NLL and he fueled the Seals’ big comeback. The FireWolves need to clamp down on him in crunch time.
Wes Berg is another clutch scorer who the Seals will rely upon in Game 2 with his great off ball play to get open.
Trevor Baptiste battled with Nardella at the faceoff circle and won the statical faceoff win category. Limiting his transition opportunities off faceoffs must be a priority for Albany.
The FireWolves need you at MVP Arena today at 3 pm to cheer them onto a semifinals win! Wear black to support the FireWolves as we blackout MVP Arena!
Get your playoff tickets starting at $23 here https://albanyfirewolves.com/tickets/ticket-center/
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.
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 Firebirds of the Arena Football League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/
