Londonderry boys lacrosse able to hold off Concord
CONCORD – The Londonderry High boys lacrosse team overcame a late rally attempt by Concord and captured a 8-7 victory Monday at Memorial Field.
Two goals by Concord midfielder Spencer Burgess over the final 5:37 cut Londonderry’s advantage to one goal. The Lancers (5-6) caused turnovers on Concord’s remaining two possessions and played keep away inside the final minute to clinch the win.
Londonderry coach Sean LeBlanc was pleased his team was able to halt the Crimson Tide’s rally attempt considering how its game against Souhegan last Saturday ended. The Lancers had a one-goal lead with four minutes left against the Sabers but suffered a 12-9 loss.
“It was good to see some mental toughness out of my guys and see them step up and finish a game out,” LeBlanc said. “That was a big step for us because we’ve been struggling late in the game.”
Londonderry had a 5-2 advantage at halftime. Concord (5-6) outscored the Lancers, 3-2, in the third quarter to cut Londonderry’s advantage to 7-5 going into the final frame.
Sean Snyder put the Lancers ahead 6-2 when he scored 1:07 into the third before Concord went on a 3-1 run over the rest of the quarter.
Burgess scored on a long-range low shot from the middle with 4:04 left in the third to pull Concord within three goals. Teammate Tanner Rollins scored with 2:36 left to make it 6-4 Londonderry. After Snyder put Londonderry ahead, 7-4, Concord’s Brendan Pearl responded with a goal of his own with 50 seconds remaining in the quarter.
Concord coach Jeff Smith felt his team played with more energy and put together better possessions in the second half.
“I guess that’s the good thing is they wanted the game, they got the heart,” Smith said of his players. “If they can continue to put that effort out then they’re going to get some games that fall in their favor.”
Snyder finished with a game-high five goals for the Lancers, making his presence felt from close range. The junior attackman scored the majority of his goals from just in front of the crease. LeBlanc said part of Londonderry’s game plan for battling Concord’s zone defense was to feed Snyder in front.
“I usually like to stay behind the net but I think I’m starting to find a new home, which I’m pretty excited about,” Snyder said.
Casey Park, Tyler Grant and Jake Holland all scored a goal each for Londonderry. Grant also won 13 of 16 faceoffs.
“Especially in a lower-scoring game like this, Tyler Grant, our faceoff guy, going out and winning a bunch of faceoffs was absolutely huge for us,” LeBlanc said. “We only had barely enough possessions to score eight goals and win the game so one less (faceoff win), we might not have come out on top.”
Burgess recorded a team-high three goals for Concord. Pearl, Rollins, Sam Galvin and Chris Cummings all tallied a goal for the Crimson Tide.
Alex Fawcett made 10 saves for Londonderry. Ethan Donlon turned away 14 shots for the Crimson Tide.
“Londonderry (is a) solid team, very well coached and it was good to have a good game with them but I think the kids are hungry to kind of keep growing on this,” Smith said.
