Once again this season the Washington Stealth suffered from failed execution late in the game, costing the defending National Lacrosse League champions in a 14-12 loss to the Edmonton Rush on Friday night.
Stealth forwards Cam Sedgwick and Luke Wiles struggled to control a long rebound as Edmonton defenseman Bill Greer stripped Sedgwick of the ball at the centerline and scored the go-ahead goal for the Rush (1-5 overall) with 1 minute, 13 seconds remaining in the contest in front of 6,100 fans at Rexall Place in Edmonton.
Shortly following Greer’s goal, Washington (3-4) missed a shot to tie with goaltender Tyler Richards pulled for the extra attacker. After a missed shot rebound, Washington lost the ball to Rush transition player Brodie Merrill, who found defenseman Brett Mydske up floor for an empty-net goal with 31.4 seconds left to close the door and give Edmonton its first win of the season.
The result was similar to Washington’s 13-11 home loss to Calgary in Week 2 in which the Stealth gave up a late go-ahead goal and failed to execute a set play with the clock winding down.
A fast start, in which the Stealth went ahead 4-1 in the first period, was wasted as Edmonton scored two straight short-handed goals to climb back; the Rush eventually taking a 7-6 lead at halftime.
Forward Andy Secore and transition player Scott Stewart both recorded three goals for the Rush, who netted four unassisted goals and capitalized as Washington turned the ball over 31 times.
Stealth All-Star forward Lewis Ratcliff had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) including a third-quarter goal to put Washington up 10-8 before back-to-back Rush tallies knotted the score at 10-10 after 45 minutes.
Duch, Wiles and Tom Johnson scored two goals apiece for the Stealth, who have yet to put together a winning streak this season.
Richards made 53 saves in goal, one week after stopping 52 in a win over Colorado, and draw man Bob Snider, who replaced departed face-off specialist Jamison Koesterer last week, won an astounding 25-of-30 draws, providing Washington with ample possessions.
Edmonton outshot the Stealth 67-50 on goal and Matt Disher made 38 saves in goal for the Rush.
Stealth transition player and All-Star selection Paul Rabil scooped up 18 loose balls and scored the game-tying goal on a short-handed rush with 4:41 left in the game.
Washington returns to action at 7:30 p.m. tonight against the Rush at Comcast Arena.
Stealth defenseman Chris McElroy honored by Rush
Prior to Friday night’s contest in Edmonton, Washington Stealth defenseman and former Rush captain Chris McElroy was the recipient of a tribute video on the big screen and a commemorative plaque of his five seasons leading the Edmonton franchise.
McElroy also was very active in the community with charity work for the Rush during his time in Edmonton. The Rush released their former captain in the offseason after he struggled through 2010 with injuries.
Washington signed the defenseman shortly thereafter.
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