The Milford Lacrosse team simply refused to go away. After winning a Friday night 16-5 victory on the road, at Dover, Milford was back on the field against a physically imposing Charter School of Wilmington squad at noon on Saturday. Coming back on such a short turn-around is always a challenge and while Milford gave it their all, they simply were simply on the wrong end of a 10-9 final score.
The highlight of the game for the Buccaneers would come towards the end of the first half, when junior Ty Mackert netted his 100th career goal. The milestone was recognized, and Milford extended their lead to 6-4. Mackert, who recorded five goals in the game, while disappointed by the outcome, was also grateful for having been able to reach the magic total.
“Obviously, I would rather have the win, but getting to 100 is very special,” Mackert said. “It’s not just about me, it’s about my family, teammates and coaches who have gotten me to this point. Without them, I would just be a guy running around with a stick.”
The key moment in the game would come not soon after Mackert’s accomplishment. With just under two minutes to go in the half, the Buccaneers had a two-man advantage and looked to be on the verge of taking control of the game. However, an errant pass and an ill-timed penalty allowed Charter back in the game as the match headed into halftime with a 6-5 Milford advantage but the feeling that Charter might have the momentum on their side.
“We obviously would have really like to take advantage of our situation towards the end of the first half, but sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you hope,” Coach Blake Faulkner said. “What was important today was how our team responded to adversity, that is something that we can build on. As a young team, with only one senior on the roster, those are the things you look for in a team.”
Charter came out firing to start the second half, quickly erasing the Milford advantage and taking a 7-6 lead early in the second half, it was a goal the Bucs would chase the entire second half, until it became a two goal deficit with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Trailing 9-7, Milford could have easily packed it in, but they didn’t. With the offense finding their footing, Mackert would score two quick goals, with just over a minute left in regulation to equalize at 9-9.
“The way this team came back today says a lot about them, they really do believe in each other.” Faulkner stated.
While Milford played equal in most areas during the game, there was one area they had difficulty with, and that was face-offs. Charter senior Charles Tao controlled the circle for most of the afternoon, and when it mattered most he was able to win one final time. Charter called a timeout and calmly set up the game winning goal with just 28 seconds remaining.
“We are down with depth in face-offs, but we had our chances today. I’m so proud of how these guy’s battled back at the end, like I told you many times, you can’t teach heart and this team has that. I am very happy with how the team is coming along and I am very excited about the rest of the season.” Faulkner concluded.
Milford is 2-3 on the season and will travel to Delmar for a Monday game, slated for a 5:30 start.
