CJ Kirst set a Premier Lacrosse League single-season scoring record and Michael Sowers scored four goals as the Philadelphia Waterdogs clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference with an 18-10 victory over the New York Atlas on Saturday at Subaru Park in Philadelphia.
Kirst's record-breaking goal was one of three on the day for the star attacker, who now has 33 on the season. The Waterdogs (8-3) showcased a balanced offense, with eight players scoring and five recording at least three points. Sowers, who led all scorers, added an assist, and Josh Yago notched a hat trick and an assist. Silas Richmond contributed a 2-point goal and a 1-point goal, and Jimmy Freehill also added a 2-point goal. Kieran McArdle chipped in with a goal and two assists. Other goal scorers for Philadelphia were Casey Wilson and Kyle Lewis. Goalie Sean Byrne made 19 saves to secure the win.
The Atlas (3-9) were led by Matt Traynor, who scored three goals. Reid Bowering added two goals, and Brett Makar scored on a 2-point shot. Cole Williams contributed a goal and an assist, while Xander Dickson and Hugh Kelleher each scored once in the loss for New York, which has been hampered by injuries throughout the season. Goalie Liam Entenmann had nine saves.
New York started strong, taking a 5-4 lead in a high-scoring first quarter that saw Kirst score his historic 31st goal at the 8:42 mark to give Philadelphia a brief 3-2 lead. The Waterdogs took control from there, outscoring the Atlas 6-2 in the second quarter to build a 10-7 halftime advantage. Philadelphia continued to pull away in the second half, putting the game out of reach with a 4-1 third quarter that included a brief scuffle between the two teams, resulting in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. The Waterdogs outscored the Atlas 4-2 in the final quarter to seal the victory.
Up next: Philadelphia hosts the Maryland Whipsnakes on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The season is over for New York.
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