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Nats mangled by Machine

by Ron Messer (Login moonwooten)

July 4, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



TORONTO NATIONALS DISMANTLED BY CHICAGO MACHINE, 24-19
Merrick Thomson ties personal best with seven goals

Glenview, IL The Toronto Nationals fell 24-19 at the hands of the Chicago Machine on Independence Day at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL. Toronto drops to 4-5 on the season, while Chicago improves their record to 2-6.

Merrick Thomson opened scoring for the Toronto Nationals 24 seconds into the decision. Kevin Leveille answered back for the Chicago Machine a minute later followed by Colin Doyle and another from Thomson. Chicago struck again as Chris Rotelli and Mike Leveille got two each past Torontos rookie netminder Doc Schneider, before Doyles second. Rotelli and Thomson collected their thirds before K. Leveille, Anthony Kelly, and Stephen Bauer brought the Machine tally to nine. Doyle netted his third past Chicago goaltender Mike Gabel with 15 seconds left on the clock, to bring the score to 9-6 at the end of the first.

The Leveille brothers sunk a pair of goals past Brett Queener who replaced Schneider in Torontos net after the first quarter of play. Jeff Zywicki brought the Nationals into the second quarter at the 10:07 mark off an assist from Doyle. Rookie Kenny Nims pushed Chicago to 12, but Thomson scored back-to-back goals to bring his game tally to five, followed by teammate Jordan Hall to bring Toronto into double digits. Matt Striebel scored a single followed by a two-point goal from Greg Bice to give the Machine a five point lead heading into the half.

Terry Kimener, Brendan Loftus and K. Leveille scored unassisted goals at the top of the third quarter to put Chicagos total to 19. Shawn Williams and Joe Walters netted a goal each bringing Toronto to 12. Striebel scored his second of the game, a two-point goal on the powerplay. Thomson answered back for the Nationals, sinking his sixth goal of the night, till K. Leveille netted his fifth to end the third with Chicago outscoring the Nationals 22-13.

Schneider took over tending duties for the final quarter for the Nationals. Brodie Merrill kicked off scoring for Toronto just 34 seconds into the quarter followed by Thomsons seventh, tying his 2009 season best set on May 15 in Annapolis in the Nationals first-ever game. K. Leveille kept close on Thomsons heels banking his sixth of game. Zywicki scored an unassisted goal, his second, at the nine minute mark followed by K. Leveilles seventh. Williams put his second and third past Gabel and FOGO Geoff Snider scored the final for Toronto, ending the decision 24-19.

Merrick Thomson led the Nationals with seven goals. Doc Schneider played the first and fourth quarters for Toronto allowing 11-of-17 shots. Brett Queener played 30 minutes stopping nine of Chicagos 20 attempts, including two two-point goals.

Chicago was led by Kevin Leveille, the game Bud Light MVP, with seven goals and one assist. Mike Gabel recorded the win in net for the Machine playing the full 60 minutes, stopping 17 of Torontos 36 shots.

For complete game statistics: Toronto @ Chicago Boxscore

The Nationals get a week off before the Young Guns vs. Old School All-Star game on Thursday, July 16 in Denver, Co. Coach Dave Huntley will play bench boss for the Young Guns that feature Torontos Brett Queener, Sid Smith, Merrick Thomson, Joe Cinosky, Jordan Levine and Jordan Hall. Brodie Merrill and Joe Walters will suit up for the Old School team.

All members of the Nationals meet up again on Saturday, July 18 in Hempstead, NY to take on the Long Island Lizards. Game time set for 8:00 p.m. ET at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.



Posted on Jul 5, 2009, 9:36 AM
from IP address 74.12.56.133

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