SHORT-HANDED CRUNCH FALL IN O.T.!

  The Crunch were back in action after a long two weeks off. This time they were looking to take care of business heading in to the M2 playoffs with the momentum of a runaway train. The only problem was they ran into a tough Wichita Wings team who they will more than likely be joined by in the playoffs in july.  


(Gabe Pewu takes control of the ball to score in the second qtr.)

A stalemate in the first quarter, the Crunch would draw first blood in the second quarter when "Big Mac" Spragling would chip the wings goal keeper for a long goal. later in the second, Crunch forward Gabe Pewu would score off a beautiful header that left the wings fans in awe and put the game at 2-0. The Wings would put one in the back of the net just before halftime to put the game at 2-1 heading into the third. From there the Wings would score two more goals in the third to put the game at 3-2 heading into the fourth and final period. Although the Crunch may have felt some jetlag, Kurt Raney would score a goal with 3:00 left in regulation and that would ultimately be the last goal of regulation for either team. The Crunch would fight hard, but in the end Wings star player "Benji" would put the dagger in the back of the net for Wichita and give the Wings a 4-3 win.




                            (Kurt Raney attacking for the goal that sent the game into overtime)

This is only the second loss of  the season for the Crunch(7-2) and they still are in first place in M2 league standings. Yes, the Crunch were short handed as stated in the title, but this goes to show how tough this Crunch team really is. If teams can't put away a undermaned Crunch team now. Imagine what this team is going to look like at full strength in the playoffs? The Crunch will get a few winks before heading to Omaha to play the in a rubber match stemming from a weekend series in Cleveland between both teams in which the Crunch swept the Kings back in may. The travel may catch up with the Crunch, but do not count them out in this game as the Crunch won both games at home against the Kings in convincing fashion. The Crunch are also still leading the M2 league in scoring. Kickoff for the Crunch/Kings game will be 3pm. 



IT'S CRUNCH TIME!!



photos courtesy of the Cleveland Crunch facebook fan page

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