Eastlake Knocks Northshore Out Of Playoffs 13-9

By McNutty

Patrick Keogh netted 4 goals and Brian Quick added 3 as the Eastlake Wolves held on to defeat Northshore 13-9. In a game that looks like it might have decided the final Northeast Conference playoff berth, the Wolves simply wanted it more.  Striking first, they controlled the tempo of the opening quarter as Northshore struggled with their team defense.  Foster Wisman (4g, 1a) led the Smurfs to a 2-2 tie with a hot 12 yard bullet from between the hash marks.  But the Wolves' offense regrouped around Keogh and the first quarter ended with Eastlake ahead 6-3. 

Both teams got their defensive groove back in the 2nd, aided by the onslaught of the rain, which caused slippery turf and wet, baggy pockets. Avery Harkins (15 saves on 24 shots) threw his mesh around the cage, stopping several one-on-one shots on his way to a solid night in goal. The half ended 8-4 and the two head coaches gave what could be their last halftime talk of 2011.

Northshore won the third quarter as their middies were able to initiate the offense deeper into Wolf territory. But Noland Smith (4gb) came up with a big back-to-back stops on Smurf attackmen and the Wolves bent but didn't break. With just over six minutes to go in the game and his team down 11-7, Northshore Coach Steve Wisman called a timeout and exhorted the Smurfs to empty their tanks. Wisman inverted, drew the double team and found Drew Tosaya (2g, 2a) up top for a quick goal. Moments later Wisman buried one himself and Northshore drew within two at 11-9. With four minutes left, flags started flying and Northshore was hit with a slash and an unnecessary roughness call.  Two men up, Eastlake's offense put the game away with an EMO goal.  The Smurfs tried to rally one last time, but the Wolves shut the door on Northshore's season with one last peg, making the final 13-9.

Coupled with Skyline's upset of Issaquah, the Northshore loss knocks them out of the looming three-way tie for the final two playoff spots. To this unofficial observer, it looks like if either Skyline or Lake Washington lose their last game on Friday, Eastlake returns to the playoffs for the first time since their 2006 DII State Championship.

Players of the Game

Eastlake

Patrick Keogh, 4g, 2a

Avery Harkins, 15 saves on 24 shots

Northshore

Foster Wisman, 4g, 2a, and one heck of a career.

Game photos at www.soundlacrosse.com