Late Goal Lifts Falcons Past Thunder

OXFORD, Ohio - In their first game at the Miami Showcase, the Falcons triumphed 5-4 over the Trine Thunder, extending their impressive season record to 21-7-0 and pushing their win streak to five games.

The victory also marked a season sweep over Trine, as the Falcons had previously defeated the Thunder 3-1 and 5-4 in back-to-back matchups on November 22nd and 23rd.

Senior Andrew Malek (Milwaukee, Wis.) got the Falcons on the board first, connecting with fellow senior Rex Staudacher (Yorkville, Ill.) for a goal at 13:08 of the first period. The Falcons added to their lead late in the frame, with senior Garrett Wilderman (Waukesha, Wis.) scoring on the power play, assisted by Malek, with just 47 seconds remaining.

However, Trine responded in dramatic fashion, sneaking a goal past the Falcons with just one second left in the period to trim the deficit to 2-1.

The Thunder would take control in the second period, scoring a shorthanded goal to tie the game at 2-2 heading into the final frame.

After the break, Trine struck early, scoring their third consecutive goal just 1:11 into the third period to take a 3-2 lead. But the Falcons weren't fazed. Senior Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.) answered just seven seconds later, scoring unassisted off the faceoff to level the score at 3-3.

The action continued to intensify, and at 7:44, junior Dominic Murano (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) put the Falcons back in front with an unassisted goal, making it 4-3. Trine responded once again, tying the game 4-4 with 3:12 remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

With overtime looming, the Falcons refused to settle. A quick series of passes from Wilderman to Staudacher set up Malek, who buried the game-winning goal with 1:23 left on the clock, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory.

Malek was the standout offensive performer, registering three points on the night, while Staudacher and Wilderman each contributed two points. In goal, junior Austin Bartell (New Berlin, Wis.) earned the win with a solid performance between the pipes.

The Falcons will now face a familiar opponent in tomorrow's matchup, as they take on the Lake Superior State Lakers for the fourth time this season. Concordia has already defeated the Lakers in all three previous encounters.