Whipsnakes Second Half Rally vs Chrome Comes Up Short
By Adam Lamberti
Jun 5, 2023
The Whipsnakes dropped their first game of the 2023 season to Chrome 12-11 after a last second goal by Chrome rookie Cross Ferrara.
Fellow rookie Tucker Dordevic tied the game for the Whipsnakes with 35 seconds left, capping a 6-1 run.
On the next possession, however, Ferrara attacked off the endline and scored for the Chrome with :05.3 left in the game.
A slow start by the Whipsnakes and excellent transition play by the Chrome led to an 8-4
Chrome halftime lead, but a 12-save second half by goalie Kyle Bernlohr allowed the Whipsnakes to claw back.
“I think it just took Kyle a half to get into a groove,” Whipsnakes Head Coach Jim Stagnitta said. “He missed the scrimmage and he didn’t get a whole lot of live play this week.”
In the absence of Whipsnakes attackmen Brad Smith and Zed Williams, veteran midfielder Mike Chanenchuk stepped up for five points on three goals and two assists while Dordevic and attackman Will Manny chipped in two goals apiece. Additionally, rookie Petey LaSalla went 54% at the faceoff stripe against 2022 All-Star Connor Farrell in his first professional game.
“[Petey] did a hell of a job today, he scrapped, he hung in there, and he’s only going to get better as the season goes along,” said Whipsnakes LSM Michael Ehrhardt.
Along with LaSalla and Dordevic, three other players - Garrett Leadmon, Roman Puglise, and Sean Lulley - all made their professional debuts today with the Whipsnakes.
“They made some really good plays, and they made some plays that they’ll learn in time not to make and they’ll get better at it,” Stagnitta said.
Eyeing the return of Smith and Williams, the Whipsnakes look to get back on track next Saturday against the Atlas at 3:00 p.m. on ABC.
