Nationals Come Up Short Against Cannons

 

The Toronto Nationals and the Boston Cannons faced off in what was a must-win game for both teams. Boston, sitting in first place, would clinch a playoff spot with a win, while Toronto was attempting to keep their playoff hopes alive. Anthony Muscarella scored two goals for the Nationals in front of a crowd of 7,477 at Harvard Stadium. The Nationals felt the effects of the absence of 14 of top players to the World Championships in England; losing to Boston 18-10. The Cannonsí Matt Poskay was the Bud Light MVP of the game, with 5 goals, becoming Bostonís all-time goal scoring leader. 

 

The Nationals looked strong at the beginning of the game, winning the first faceoff and working the ball around, until Jake Deane found the back of the net. Toronto was keeping control of the ball, but had difficulty scoring, allowing the shot clock to expire twice. Brett Bucktooth got the Nationalsí next goal with just 37 seconds left of the quarter, but not before Boston could put up three goals of their own. Steven Waldeck quickly followed Bucktooth, scoring the tying goal on a powerplay. The first quarter ended with a score of 3-3.

 

The Cannons continued to dominate the game during the second quarter. Boston opened it up with another three goals, before Chris Daniello scored his first of the game off a pass from Kevin Ross. Boston scored two more to round out the quarter. Toronto was down 9-4 at the halfway mark.

 

Poskay was a force to be reckoned with during the third quarter. Bucktooth and Austin Walker both got shots off before Muscarella scored his first goal as a National bringing Toronto to within 5. Although the Nationals had many attempts at the back of the net, that was the only goal for Toronto, as Boston controlled the rest of the quarter. Kevin Buchanan got two goals for Boston, while Poskay fired three past Queener. The score was 14-4 going into the final 15 minutes of play.

 

To open up the fourth quarter, Toronto put away three straight goals by Brice Queener, Mike McLellan and Delby Powless. Bostonís lead seemed to be too far for the Nationals, as the Cannons added on two more goals. Ross and Muscarella put away one goal each for Toronto and Bostonís Poskay and Pat Heim did the same to finish the game. 

 

The Nationals face off against the Long Lizards Lizards in their last two games of the regular season on Saturday, July 31st at Shuart Stadium and on Saturday, August 7th at 7:00 p.m at home.

 

Tickets start as low as $16.95 and can be purchased by calling

1-877-9GO-NATS.