The LXM ATS Orem proved to be nothing less than fantastic in the Beehive State.
The LXM ATS (Lacrosse x Movement Tournament Series) was highlighted by the picturesque Wasatch Mountain range. There was a new level of competition this year in the second visit of the LXM|ATS with teams coming all the way from Calgary, Canada to Boise, Idaho. The ATS was highlighted by the coveted LXM PRO Players, who include top NCAA Division I lacrosse players and two Tewaarton winners, as they were part of the event as guest coaches and headlined LXM PRO Clinics.
The clouds broke and sun came out for the culmination of the event, the LXM PRO 801 game. Thousands flocked to the Lakeside Sports Fields for the 4th heated battle for Team STX and Maverik United. The season opener of the fall tour for LXM PRO, presented by Champion, proved to be an intense game from the first face-off to the final whistle.
Team STX started the game strong with Adrenaline Athlete Peter Baum (Colgate University, 2012 Tewaarton Winner) converting on a quick look from Max Ritz (Maryland) in the first 4 seconds of the game. Maverik United was quick to respond with Adrenaline Athlete, Zach Brenneman (Notre Dame) tying up the game.
Maverik United proceeded to dominate the first quarter winning face-offs, moving the ball quickly in transition, and capitalizing on fast breaks. Hamilton Pollard (Penn State) played a crucial role on defense for Maverik United, with four caused turnovers in the game. Shamel Bratton (Virginia) scored two of his six total goals in the game. Billy Bitter (UNC) and Adrenaline Athlete, Erik Krum (Salisbury) proved to be a dynamic duo for Maverik United, with each converting a goal off of the other’s assist. Maverik United took the lead 8-3.
Team STX started the second quarter strong with Adrenaline Athletes Xander Ritz (Maryland) and Peter Baum scoring three unanswered goals with goalie, Matt Russell (Navy) making critical saves. Erik Krum converted off a behind-the-back assist from Johnny Christmas to recover their lead. Despite Team STX’s change of pace, they were unable to capture the lead going into half trailing Maverik United 10-8.
The third quarter began with Team STX scoring the first goal once again. However, Maverik United managed to go on another three goal run, strengthening their lead. Peter Baum scored his third goal off a quick look from Geoff Worley (Vermont). Davy Emala (UNC) of Team STX helped switch the energy of the game, notching two goals to make it a one goal game, ending the third quarter with Maverik United still ahead14-13.
Team STX found the back of the net early in the fourth quarter, with Xander Ritz assisting Davy Emala, his third goal of the game. Maverik United responded with another three goal run by Billy Bitter, Whit McCarthy (Colby), and Shamel Bratton. Team STX retaliated with three unanswered goals to take the lead briefly. Shamel Bratton assisted Johnny Christmas to tie the game, and a man up situation allowed for Maverik United to take the lead with Erik Krum finishing his fourth goal of the game off another assist from Billy Bitter. With 3:00 minutes left in the game, Maverik United goalie, Johnny Rodriguez made a huge save that was the game changer. Johnny Christmas notched his fourth goal of the game to make it a two goal lead for Maverik. With 52 seconds left in the game Sam Bradman (Salisbury) scored a goal unassisted. Maverik United managed to hold off Team STX’s attack for the final seconds, snagging their second win of the Tour in this high scoring match 20-19.
After the game Orem fans lined up for the Knockaround autograph session, where they got to meet the players and get a few custom LXM PRO Knockaround shades. LXM PRO 801 was the best competition seen so far this year, to watch the game visit the TLN youtube channel ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dJOklNCEoY&list=TLrBy2gsejdEl-zkFxRw0BtUm8ev-Dfv5_)
LXM PRO 916 at Cherry Island Soccer Complex in Elverta, California next weekend will be monumental game, determining which team will pull ahead in the Tour. Learn more about the Tour and the next stops here. (http://adrln.com/lxm/).