SPORTS: Comeback Win for Boys LAX

Groton-Dunstable (7-7) stormed back from a three goal half time deficit, taking an 8-7 decision over visiting Tyngsborough (8-5) in a crossover league boys lacrosse game.

  With just over three minutes remaining, the Crusaders patiently cycled the ball around the perimeter. "Be patient," cautioned coach Rick Arena.  Junior Quinton Forbes saw an opening and fired for the game winner. No chance for Tigers goalie Aoppy Allan who never moved as the ball ripped the back of the net.

  "They (Tyngsborough) always give us a game," said varsity coach Rick Arena. "We beat them earlier in the season 6-5 and had to battle every minute to squeeze out the win today."

  Goals by Zach Cotoni 11:33 into the game and Tristan Lynch moments later gave GD 2-0 lead early, But the Tigers started winning draws which soon translated to goals from Justin Maher, David Walker and Ben Foley and led 3-2 after the first quarter.

  Matt Kiessling tied the game early in the second quarter, but the visitors got the next three scores and led 6-3 at the half.

  Tyngsborough scored only one goal in the after the break. "The defense really stiffened, played very well and took advantage of their mistakes," said Arena

  The Crusaders allowed only one third quarter goal in the second half but despite goals from Austin Hourani and Cotoni's second of the afternoon, they were still down 7-5 going into the fourth.

  The momentum had turned in the Crusaders favor. Senior Matt Manning's (Quintin Forbes assist) score made it a one goal game and when Hourani beat Tiger keeper Allan, GD had knotted the game at 7-7.

  "They took it to us in the second quarter but I liked the way our kids responded," continued Arena. GD goalie PJ Kendall faced 38 shots, making 31 saves while his counterpart Allan was credited with 26 saves on 34 shots. "He (Kendall) has been a very pleasant surprise for us and continues to make huge saves, keeping us in games.

  GD has work left with very little margin for error in their drive for post-season play. Six games remain including Shrewsbury, Nashoba and Westborough, teams that defeated the Crusaders earlier this season.

  "We have to keep fighting and need a complete team effort," said Quintin Forbes. "We have battled all year and can't stop now."