Rochester United trips up Adams for first time
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Being beat up by a sibling can become quite frustrating when its happens routinely.
That type an experience ignited a fire inside the players of Rochester United.
Much like Ralphie confronts his bully in A Christmas Story, United, which had dropped three straight to rival Rochester Adams, finally got the best of the visiting Highlanders in an OAA Red Division boys lacrosse opener Tuesday at Rochester Stoney Creek.
FRIENDLY CONTACT: Rochester Adams' Mike Potoniec (right) checks Rochester United's Taylor Zuke during Tuesday's OAA Red Division matchup. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
United, which shares players from Rochester and Stoney Creek, never trailed in posting an 8-7 victory over Adams, its first win over the Highlanders since the district split into two boys lacrosse programs in 2008.
Adams won the previous three meetings, including 9-3 last season.
“I think the guys did come out with some fire, a lot of energy,” said United coach Mike Dungan, who is in his fourth season with the program. “I guess losing to them the past couple of times will do that to you.”
United, which won the OAA White Division last season to gain its promotion to the OAA-Red this season, never trailed the Highlanders (3-2, 0-1). United led 2-0 early, extended that lead to 4-1 early in the second quarter and held off Adams in the final minutes.
GETTING AROUND: Rochester United’s Matt Connors tries to move past
Rochester Adams’ Matt Bowery During Rochester’s 8-7 win. Staff Photo |
Dan Stickradt
Adams closed to within 7-6 with 22.1 seconds left in the third frame, and again cut the deficit down to 8-7 with 1:16 to play, but the Highlanders could not net the equalizer.
“We didn’t start very well. I thought being down 4-1 was the difference,” said Adams coach Andy Monmont. “I thought after that, we played them pretty even. It’s disappointing that we didn’t match them in the first (quarter). You have to give (Rochester) credit.”
Jacob Pincura scored three goals, the fifth, sixth and eighth tallies for United, the latter being the eventual game-winner with 8:34 to play. Stephen Acciaiolli and Taylor Zuke both added two goals each, and Kurt Urbin also scored for United.
Zuke and Acciaiolli staked Rochester to the 2-0 lead in the first five minutes before Adams got on the board on a goal Jeff Andrews.
United responded with additional goals from Zuke and Acciaiolli to push the lead to 4-1.
Adams, which trailed 5-3 at the half, slowly chewed into the lead, scoring three times in the third frame on goals from Michael DiMarco, Brad Nylen and Lee Teasley.
Teasley and DiMarco scored the final goals for Adams.
Andrews, DiMarco and Teasley all finished the night with two goals each for the Highlanders.
“We were a play away from tying the game. So I am pleased that we battled back,” said Monmont.
Nathan Duff, a second-team all-state goalkeeper last season, finished with eight saves for Rochester United, staving off the Highlanders’ late comeback bid with two clutch saves in the fourth quarter.
“It got a little too close at the end .I don’t think we were trying to stall, but it kind of worked out that way,” said Dungan. “We do have a really solid goalie back there in Nate Duff. He made the saves he had to and we did what we had to win.
“It feels nice to beat these guys,” added Dungan. “I don’t think my guys wanted to lose to them again. And it’s more important this year, because we’re both in the same (division of the OAA).”
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Category: High School, Prep Wraps, Rochester, Rochester Adams, Rochester Stoney Creek
