LumberJax stung by Swarm

After winning the first two games of the season, the Portland LumberJax were handed their fourth loss in a row by the Minnesota Swarm on Friday night.

A combination of rugby, hockey and soccer all played in the Rose Garden, lacrosse has grown in numbers over the past few years. Although not loved by everyone, the sport did manage to build enough momentum to start its own professional league last year. In the first regular season, the Portland LumberJax won the western division and went to the championship game. Although they lost the game, Portland looked like a powerhouse for years to come. With a 2-4 record out of the gate this year, however, they do not look like they will repeat the trip.

In the second game at home the Swarm outscored the Jax 11-8, in what became a silent shellacking of the home team.

Throughout the game, the crowd was repeatedly asked to “make some noise,” but had a hard time doing so when their team gave them nothing to cheer about.

It has become increasingly more difficult for the Jax to score goals. Despite outshooting Minnesota 49-39, the Jax could only connect on eight of those attempts.

“It’s really frustrating,” said Jax head coach Derek Keenan. “Sometimes the game goes that way.”

The Jax only had the lead one time after Powell tied the score at 3-3 with 8:16 left in the first half and Richard Morgan scored another about a minute later. Powell led the Jax with three goals and finished the game on three of 12 shooting.

The Jax did not hold the lead for long, as the Swarm finished the half with three more goals to take the game.

The Swarm (2-3) won their second game of the season and are now tied with Toronto for third place in the eastern division.

Now fourth in the western division, the Jax desperately need to find a way to put the ball in the net if they want to defend their division title from last season.

“I think we’re gripping our sticks a little tight,” said Jax forward Mike Hominuck.

Hominuck and Keenan agreed that the Jax are not doing the little things on offense to help them score.

“If you look at the way Minnesota played, they did a good job getting off the floor and getting back,” Keenan said.

The Jax, however, could not take advantage of their transition game and scored no goals on the fast break. Also, the Jax were only able to connect on a single power play.

“We’re frustrated offensively,” said Jax forward Ryan Powell.

The less-than-average crowd of 6,281 could see the frustration build as Swarm goalie Nick Patterson stopped shot after shot.

“He’s a very good goaltender,” Keenan said.

Patterson was able to stop 41 of 49 Jax attempts, and give the Swarm the little advantage they needed to hang on. The Swarm finished the game 11 of 39, but aside from Patterson did not look like the superior team for most of the night.

Powell was happy with the Jax’ play on defense, but said the team needs to step its game up on offense.

The Jax held the Swarm to just 11 goals, which is right around their average. However, when Colorado comes to town next week, they are going to be up against a more potent offense that has the ability to put up some big numbers.

Portland’s attendance is now third worst in the league, at around 7,000 fans, and their average is half that of Toronto and Colorado.