Friends Boys Defeat Friars 6-5

The Friends boys lacrosse team was victorious against Archbishop Curley in their first conference game of this young season, defeating the Friars 6-5.

The Quakers got out to a quick 2-o lead in the first quarter behind goals from Cedric Charlier and Mike Sweet. The score stood at 3-1 at the half after subsequent goals from Ryan Cleveland of the Friars and Paul Orrson of the Quakers.

After the Friars cut their deficit to one on a goal from Steve Rosario, Sweet answered with his second score of the game, giving the Quakers a 4-2 lead. Steve Rosario then answered the bell once again, inching the Friars back to within one.

The Quakers and Friars then traded goals, with Dave Magdeburger scoring for Friends and Matthew Simon getting it past the goalie for Curley. 

With the Friars down one, Michael Seglinski scored, causing an eruption from the fans watching the game in Curley's football bowl. 

However, the Friars defense proved to be no match for Dave Magdeburger, who scored his second goal of the evening to give the Quakers what would be the game-winning score.  

The Quakers managed to pull out the win on the road even as they went up against far from ideal field conditions.

"It was tough," Sweet said. "The field was all muddy. Everyone was slipping out here, offense and defense. Their goalie made some spectacular one on one saves, and our goalie was playing pretty lights out. It was a great game." 

Friends head coach Jon Garman agreed with Sweet regarding the field conditions.

"Literally, this is the first day we haven't been on a turf field," Garman said. "The good thing about a turf field is that you can play on it all the time. The bad thing is you get spoiled. We haven't even been on a grass field much less a very muddy field. But it is what it is, and we're going to play half our games on grass fields." 

As for the Friars, although they came up short, they definitely left an impression on the Quakers.

"I've played Curley in the past, and they never give up," Sweet said. "They got a lot of heart, and I'm looking forward to playing them on our turf." 

Once gain, coach Garman echoed the thoughts of his attacker.

"I've been coaching in this league since the mid 80's, and Friends vs. Curley is always this way. It doesn't matter what the records are. It just doesn't matter."

Next for Archbishop Curley is a home date with Tom's River on March 26th. Friends will take on Park on March 29th. 

In the mean time, the Quakers are certainly going to savor this victory. 

"From a historical point of view, a win on the road, over here, this is just a great win for us," Garman said. "We're very pleased."