Will Manny’s Last Second Goal Lifts Whipsnakes to Win Over Chaos
By Adam Lamberti
Jul 31, 2023
With the game tied at 16, Will Manny ‘earned his scales’ as a Whipsnake, firing home a step-back winner with nine seconds left.
“The whole game plan for today was that they were going to short-stick me, which they have in the past when I play the Chaos,” Manny said. “[Pat Resch] overplayed me and I was able to get one off and beat Blaze [Riorden].”
The last game of the weekend in Dallas got off to a relatively normal start, with the game tied at six at the break, but then picked up in the second half. A combined 11 different players on both teams scored a goal in the third quarter to open the game up. The Whipsnakes carried a lead 14-12 into the 4th quarter, but the Chaos rallied behind a Dhane Smith goal to tie the game at 16 with four minutes left before Will Manny called game.
“We needed it honestly,” said Head Coach Jim Stagnitta. “All year we've been in games. Our veterans really took charge down the stretch when we needed something to happen. Zed, Matt, and Will Manny made plays for us. It's just great to get out of here with a win against a really talented team.”
Goalie Brendan Krebs recorded his first start as a Whipsnake and had 11 saves, including a crucial stop with under a minute left in the game.
“Credit Krebs,” said Chaos Head Coach Andy Towers. “He played a great game for them.”
Whipsnakes defensive midfielder Roman Puglise recorded two goals in transition including a two-pointer, and showed why he was a 1st round draft pick in 2022 with his offensive ability.
“My expectations of him are really high,” said Stagnitta of Puglise. “I said to both him and Ty [Warner], we need offense from you guys. And he gave us offense from the defensive midfield position.”
Rookie Petey LaSalla also scored two goals, his first career goals, pushing the ball forward following a faceoff win just like he did at the University of Virginia.
Finally fully healthy minus defenseman Matt Dunn, the Whipsnakes were able to close out a close game after dropping two 1-goal games to start the year and losing a 4th quarter lead to the Waterdogs last game.
“Really happy with this group,” said Matt Rambo. “There is a little different energy in the locker room and we were all excited to play. We're just excited to start this second half of the year.”
The Whipsnakes take on the last place Chrome next Saturday evening in Baltimore at 5:30 p.m.
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