Cougars Lose on Late Flyer Goal

January 20, 2002
Today's game is difficult to describe to anyone who wasn't there. It was several games with a game and stories within a story. Bottom line is the Flyers beat the Cougars on a late power play goal, 5-4. Similar to the Vacaville game two weeks ago, the Cougars fought back to tie the game three times, and then a late goal decided the game.

Whether there should have even been a question late in the game is a matter of contention. No one at any level of any sport likes to see the officials determine the outcome of a game but in the opinion of this writer, that's what happened. Nothing against the Flyers - they played very well, but the Cougars had two goals taken off the board in the third period on judgment calls by the officials, who's judgment also let two Flyer goals stand that should have been waved off (including the game winner).

The Cougars were frustrated as call after call went against them. A beautiful defensive play by Ryan Thornton was called a trip; Nick Lavarias physically laying on the blue line as Stephen Fragoza broke into the zone ahead of the defense was called offsides; a non-call when Chase Ansok was dangerously cross-checked across the back of the neck into the boards drew the wrath of Jerry and resulted in a bench minor being called. These are just some of the examples.

With everything else going on, the Cougars stayed right in the game. Francis Paquet netted two goals, Jeff Adam collected a goal and two assists, and Shoshana Levine scored her

	Francis

first goal of the season. This was a tough, physical game against another quality opponent. Both teams had their moments of superb execution and playmaking, and some of the opposite. The Cougars puck movement and transition game was outstanding, leading to several good scoring chances. The transition game was working both ways as the offense was quick to get back and support the defense. The defense had some trouble clearing the zone on occasion but was doing a great job holding up the Flyers at the blue line, blocking shots and preventing passes from connecting near the crease.

Jordan Fragoza started in goal and played very, very well (14 saves) even though he gave up four goals. In a move to try to spark up the team, Jonathan Wilson was brought in with 1:51 left in the second period. Jonathan was staunch, making eight saves before eventually give up the game-winning goal.

It was a long, long drive home for the players and their families. With big games coming up in the next two weeks (Capital Thunder & Tri-Valley), the Cougars need to put this game behind them and focus on what's coming up.