Concannon denies Archers chances in 14-9 Atlas win
By Adam Lamberti | Jul 31, 2022
The Atlas LC defeated the Archers LC for the second time this season on Saturday afternoon to improve to 5-2 and clinch a playoff spot.
Jack Concannon had 13 saves and Trevor Baptiste went 64% from the faceoff stripe while eight different plays tallied goals for the Atlas, headlined by midfielder Dox Aitken’s 4 goals.
Aitken scored two of the first three goals of the game to give Atlas a 3-0 lead before goals by Connor Fields, Tom Schreiber, and Marcus Holman evened the score. The Atlas responded with another three-goal run in the second quarter with goals coming from Bryan Costabile, Jeff Teat, and Chris Gray before Grant Ament tallied his first goal of the season, and Matt Moore scored on an unassisted drive to cut the lead to one going into the half.
“It was a playoff atmosphere from the jump,” said Archers head coach Chris Bates. “You know it was a game of runs, obviously early you know with three goals, three goals, two goals.”
The game remained tight through the third quarter until Atlas defenseman Cade van Raaphorst intercepted a pass on the defensive end, went the length of the field, and scored a 2-point goal to give the Atlas a three-goal lead.
He truly can’t be stopped. 🥶 https://t.co/kOrXCUO8BL pic.twitter.com/VIN1t5xAQ2
— Atlas Lacrosse Club (@PLLAtlas) July 30, 2022
Then in the fourth, two goals by Aitken and timely saves by Concannon thwarted any hopes by the Archers to rally back.
“I think Concannon’s save on me with about six minutes left was a huge save. I think that would’ve cut it to one… hats off to him for making that save,” said Archers attackman Marcus Holman (3G).
DENIED!
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 30, 2022
Jack Concannon is standing on his head today. pic.twitter.com/KBXwTNHIll
Despite a few mistakes, Atlas head coach Ben Rubeor praised his team for finishing strong against what he said was a very good Archers team.
“I thought it was back and forth and back and forth, and I’m proud of our guys for figuring out a way at the end to make some plays,” said Rubeor.
Next weekend in Denver, the Atlas will try to build upon their win against the Waterdogs while the Archers look to bounce back against the first place Whipsnakes.
