Stealth upset defending champs in home opner

A quick game recap - in case you missed it.

The Washington Stealth upset the defending champion Rochester Knighthakws 13-12 in the NLL season opener  in Everett, Washington.

The lone game of the week (don't ask me why?) saw the Stealth build an early 3-1 lead.

Rhys Duch got the scoring started with an overhand blast that beat Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc farside.

It didn't take the Knighthawks long to answer back as Johnny Powless finished off a cross crease quick stick.  Matt Beers and Cliff Smith got the next two goals for Washington.

It was all Rochester early in the 2nd quarter. Taking the lead after a three goal run, started by Joe Walters. Scott Campbell came in on a shorthanded breakaway and found the mesh, then  Mike Accursi scored on blast from the outside.

Cliff Smith answered back for the Stealth and then it was Brad Self and Cory Vitarelli chipping in to give the Knighthawks their first two goal lead of the game 6-4.  The Stealth wouldn't go away, getting late goals from Athann Iannucci and Smith to tie things at six to end the half.

Cory Vitarelli started the scoring in the third but the Stealth came right back, as Smith hit Dean Hill wide open inside and tied things at seven.

Cody Jamieson gave the Knighthawks an 8-7 lead, doing it himself. Circling across the top, splitting the defence and potting one top shelf from his wrong side in front of the net.

Washington's Lewis Ratcliff had been struggling offensively, firing some untimely shots and missing the net. But he warmed up late scoring to tie the game again at eight.

Vitarelli answered back getting his third of the game and giving the Knighthawks a 9-8 lead after three quarters of play.

Steven Keogh driblled one past Tyler Richards early in the fourth and the team traded goals,  Rhys Duch got his second for Washington and the same for Joe Walters of the Knighthawks.

In all the lead changed back-and-forth five times. The biggest lead of the game for both sides was a narrow two goals.

Rochester had an 11-9 lead late,  until Washington went on three goal run, with goals from Duch his third. Ratcliff scored his second and rookie Mitch McMichael picked up a juicy rebound to pot his first career goal and give the Stealth a 12-11 lead.

Stealth captain Kyle Sorensen took a penalty late and Rochester's Johnny Powless made the Stealth pay with in a behind the back shot and tying things at 12.

Athann Iannucci saved his best for last, springing thorugh two Knighthawk defenders and finding some room on the crease, for the game winning goal.

Iannucci looked as though he was in the crease but the officials reviewed the goal and determined he the ball was released before he fell in.

Notes: The game was clean with no rough stuff and only two penalties aside.

There were several lead changes throughout the game.

The attendance was reported at 7,023 fans.

21 Sports-Beat player of the game was Washington forward Rhys Duch with the hat-trick and three assists. Honourable mention to Cliff Smith who also had the hat-trick.