Unlike their previous three meetings this season, this fourth and final match-up was never close. The Sharks (3-21) fell behind early to the Ironmen (12-10) and were never able to rebound.
New Jersey forward Shawn David scored the game’s first two points sixteen seconds into the first quarter. Six minutes later, the Ironmen had scored a total of eight points with goals by midfielder Lazo Alavanja, forward Daniel Antoniuk, and a second two-pointer by David. The final points of the quarter came with seconds left as Alavanja scored his second goal. By the end of the first, New Jersey had a commanding lead 10-0.
The second quarter saw the Ironmen once again on the attack. Defenseman Donald Gray added to the total with a two-point goal, and David scored a hat trick with a three pointer. Though Orlando was able to take several shots at goal, New Jersey star goalkeeper Tony Meola successfully defended his turf. At the half the score was Ironmen 15, Sharks 0.
The third quarter was all Ironmen with a three-point goal by defenseman Ibrahim Kante and two-pointers by forwards Federico Moojen and John Kraus. The only bright spot was at the end of the quarter when Sharks midfielder Miki Djerisilo spoiled a shutout with a three-point goal with an assist by forward Shawn Boney. With one quarter remaining, the score was New Jersey 22, Orlando 3.
The Sharks highlight of the final quarter was midfielder Damien Pottinger going one-on-one against goalkeeper Meola. Though Meola saved the first shot, Pottinger slammed the ball into the net for a two-pointer. That was the end of the Sharks’ offense, while the Ironmen were able to score twice more with goals by Moojen, a three-pointer, and Antoniuk, their second goals of the game.
With the final score New Jersey 27, Orlando 5, the Sharks look to put this one behind them as they prepare for Detroit next Friday at the Amway arena.
