Denver Knocks off Long Island Lizards in Overtime

[Sonny]

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Midfielder Jeff Sonke scored the game-winning two-point goal with 3:31 left in overtime to lead the Denver Outlaws (6-4) to their second straight, a 14-12 overtime victory over the Long Island Lizards (4-6) at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday evening. It is the first time in league history that an overtime game has ended with a two-point goal.

After midfielder Josh Sims gave the Outlaws a 1-0 lead just over a minute into the first quarter, the Lizards scored three straight goals to take a two-goal edge early in the second quarter.

Attackman Drew Westervelt and midfielder Brian Langtry countered with back-to-back goals to tie the game before the Lizards used three straight points, including a two-point goal by midfielder Chris Fiore, to take a 6-3 lead. Westervelt scored his second goal of the half with 42 seconds, cutting Denver's deficit to 6-4 at the intermission.

Attackman Matt Brown tied the game for the Outlaws with a pair of goals in the first four minutes of the third quarter before Tim Goettelmann regained a one-point advantage off an assist from rookie Frank Resetarits.

Led by two goals from attackman Brendan Mundorf, the Outlaws took a 9-7 lead with three straight goals over a three-minute span. However, the Lizards rallied with two goals in the last 90 seconds of the third quarter, tying the game at 9-9.

Sims opened the fourth quarter with his second goal of the game, an unassisted tally to give Denver a one-point advantage. Goettelmann and midfielder Stephen Berger scored back-to-back goals just a minute apart as Long Island regained the lead at 11-10 with 4:55 left. The teams traded goals before midfielder Lou Braun tied the game for Denver with 1:02 left in regulation.

Mundorf was named as the Bud Light MVP after scoring a game-high three goals while three other players scored two goals. Goalkeeper Trevor Tierney made 13 saves in the victory. Attackman Mark Millon scored two goals and added two assists to lead Long Island while Goettelmann posted a three-goal effort.

Denver (6-4) 1-3-5-3-2 / 14
Long Island (4-6) 2-4-3-3-0 / 12

One-Point Goals:
DEN - Brendan Mundorf 3, Josh Sims 2, Brian Langtry 2, Drew Westervelt 2, Matt Brown 2, Lou Braun 1.
LI - Tim Goettelmann 3, Mark Millon 2, Frank Resetarits 1, Peter Vlahakis 1, Stephen Berger 1, Blake Miller 1, Julian Watts 1.

Two-Point Goals:
DEN - Jeff Sonke 1.
LI - Chris Fiore 1.

Assists:
DEN - Jeff Sonke 1.
LI - Mark Millon 2, Frank Resetarits 1, Chris Fiore 1.

Saves:
DEN - Trevor Tierney 13 (66:29, 11 goals allowed).
LI - Nick Murtha 19 (66:29, 13 goals allowed).

Attendance: 6,234