Comeback not enough as Falcons suffer 6-3 exhibition loss to USDNT

Lucas Kleimeyer and Jenna DiBlasi, Sports Reporters, FMSN

Bowling Green State University hockey lost 6-3  to the United States National Team Development Program at Slater Ice Arena on Friday.

The orange and brown started off strong in the first period with an aggressive start and BG goalie Salvatore Evola making some key saves to hold off USNTDP’s attack.

The U.S. eventually broke through towards the end of the first, with Oliver Moore finding Ryan Leonard for the opening goal of the game.

Danny Nelson found the second goal just 90 seconds later to double USA’s lead. USNTDP found a third via Ryan Fine.

The Falcons found a beacon of light seconds before the end of the first, with Taylor Schneider getting a goal that put BG on the board to make it 3-1 going into the second period. 

To open the second period, junior Seth Fyten scored his first goal of the season to make it 3-2. 

Three minutes later, USNTDP’s Zach Schulz went to the penalty box for holding. 

The Falcons threw shots at the net, but goaltender Trey Augustine remained stout in the crease for USNTDP.  

Team USA received another penalty three minutes later as defenseman Kai Janviriya went to the box for stripping. 

BGSU sophomore Ryan O’Hara took advantage of the powerplay and tied the contest up at 3.  

A tie scoreline would be short-lived, as USNTDP took advantage of a defensive miscue and error from Evola to retake the lead at 4-3 with a goal by Salvatore Guzzo.

The third period unfolded into a back-and-forth contest with both teams creating good scoring opportunities and testing each other defenses. The Falcons just couldn’t finish their chances, leaving themselves exposed in the back end and USA was able to find a couple more insurance goals to seal the victory via Gabe Perreault and Will Smith, 6-3.

The Falcons will resume regular season conference play at home against Ferris State next weekend. Game one’s puck drop is set for 7:07 p.m. on Friday. 

For more information about the team, visit the athletics webpage.