We knew Atlas vs. Redwoods wasn’t going to be just like any other lacrosse game. With both rosters stacked with several of the game’s elite, a national stage only seemed fitting.

Atlas wasted no time, starting the game off quick with two goals. But the Redwoods weren’t going to let their quick start hold them back. After a series of goals from Clarke Petterson, Sergio Salcido and Matt Kavanagh, the Redwoods suddenly led 5-2 at the end of the first quarter.

Both team’s goalies, Tim Troutner and Jack Concannon dominated in the first two quarters. Yet, Paul Rabil came in with a leaping goal to cut the Redwoods’ lead down to 5-4 before the half.

Mix competitiveness with passion and it was only natural that Atlas vs. Redwoods turned into a battle. Emotions were high in the second quarter with a scrum breaking out and several players from each team receiving technicals in the process.

Despite a chippy game, the Redwoods still managed to hold onto a 6-5 lead at the end of the first half, with Atlas racking up nine turnovers.

Joel Tinney came out at the start of the third and put Atlas up 7-6, all while taking a brutal hit from Matt Landis in the process. Both Redwoods and Atlas exchanged goals in the third quarter to tie it back up, 8-8.

But Troutner’s 17 saves in this game were enough to hold off the Atlas for the 11-9 win.

“Our fourth-round draft pick came in and played like a veteran,” Redwoods Head Coach Nat St. Laurent said on Troutner’s performance after the game.

The Redwoods play the Archers in New York, June 8th at 4:00PM ET. The Atlas play the Chaos, June 9th at 2:00PM ET.