The Dons took the field on Wednesday night at home this week in hopes of extending their recent winning streak. And they came out firing, scoring the first 2 goals of the game. An opening goal from Simon Appel (his first of four on the night) and the next from Griffin Rotundo, had the Dons quickly up 2-0. But two quick strikes from the talented Highlander offense helped Piedmont bounce back at the end of the quarter to tie it up 2-2.
Piedmont started the second quarter where they left off in the first, with a tough offensive run that brought the game 4-2. It looked like that’s where we would end the half. But with just 12 seconds on the clock, the Dons had a series of passes that led to a beautiful assist from Henry Finegold to Jan Korzeniowski. Jan’s shot got past the Piedmont goalie with just 3 seconds left—bringing the Dons within one of the Highlanders at the close of the half, 4-3.
In the third quarter, the game continued with aggressive play up and down the field. Collin Malmquist, James Davis, and Ethan Pancoast had some solid contributions throughout the night in the midfield and defense. As the quarter progressed, both teams spent time in the penalty box forcing the Dons to make some quick adjustments. Griffin Rotundo scored a great shot from 20 yards out and Simon Appel added another. The Dons had several more opportunities but the Piedmont goalie stood his ground, making it difficult to score with an impressive 12 saves for the night. And the Highlanders scored 3 more goals to maintain their close lead.
In the fourth quarter, a determined Simon Appel continued to hammer the Highlanders and scored 2 more final goals. (Jane Smith was not attending the game but fans couldn’t help but channel their inner Jane with “Give ‘em Hell, Appel!” running through their heads). Despite some great passing and long offensive possessions in the quarter where the Dons had an impressive 11 shots, the impenetrable Piedmont goalie held back the Dons who eventually ran out of time to secure the win.
The Dons take on the Las Lomas Knights Friday night under the lights for the Matt Lynn Memorial game. Here we go Dons!
