Caden Balint – Albany Correspondent, StreamPunk Sports / All Lacrosse All The Time
The Albany FireWolves are not going down without a fight! In a must-win game at MVP Arena, the FireWolves (7-10) delivered one of their most determined performances of the season, defeating the San Diego Seals (8-9) by a score of 12-10. Fueled by a nine-point performance from Tye Kurtz, Albany clawed their way back from multiple deficits to keep their playoff dreams alive in a tightly contested battle for the final playoff spot in the National Lacrosse League.
With 5,400 fans in attendance, the FireWolves treated the home crowd to an emotional roller coaster, culminating in a high-scoring contest filled with momentum swings, lead changes, and drama until the final whistle.
Back-and-Forth Battle
As the game got underway, Albany knew it had a fight ahead if it wanted to keep playing into May. Tye Kurtz got the FireWolves on the board four minutes into the contest with a powerplay goal—an area Albany has struggled with this season. After Kyle Jackson gave the FireWolves a 2-0 lead, it looked like they were ready to run San Diego out of MVP Arena. But a timely goal from Zach Currier reignited the Seals’ momentum.
That spark lit a fire for San Diego, who erupted for three goals in just two minutes—courtesy of Jake Govett, Wesley Berg, and Ben McIntosh—giving the Seals a 4-3 lead heading into the second quarter.
The back-and-forth pace continued into the second, with three lead changes in the quarter alone. San Diego seemed poised to pull away, answering every Albany counterattack. But the FireWolves found openings when they needed them. Two more goals by Kurtz brought Albany right back into the game. Still, the Seals closed the half strong with two goals of their own, heading into the locker room with momentum and a narrow lead.
FireWolves Flip the Script in the Third
San Diego’s offense had produced seven goals in the first half, seemingly answering Albany at every turn. But the second half told a different story. The third quarter opened with a defensive standoff, with both teams stifling scoring chances for nearly ten minutes. Doug Jamieson and Chris Origlieri were spectacular between the pipes, each making clutch saves to keep the score locked.
Ben McIntosh finally broke the deadlock, scoring to give the Seals an 8-6 lead with five minutes left in the quarter. It appeared the uphill climb for Albany had steepened—but the FireWolves responded.
Kurtz struck again with his fourth of the night to swing momentum back toward Albany. A loose ball recovery by Will Johansen led to his second goal of the season, tying the game at 8-8 with 1:20 left in the quarter. But Trent DiCicco quickly restored San Diego’s lead, and just like that, Albany was back on the ropes.
With one last push in the dying seconds of the quarter, Dyson Williams missed on a wide-open look—but the rebound bounced right to Kurtz, who buried it with 0.1 seconds remaining to tie the game once again, 9-9. The MVP Arena crowd erupted.
FireWolves Run Away Late
That buzzer-beater seemed to break the Seals’ spirit. Albany opened the fourth quarter on fire, with goals from Kyle Jackson, Tye Kurtz (his sixth of the night), and Nick Chaykowsky. Albany’s defense turned stingy, allowing just one goal in the final frame—Govett’s second—and Jamieson continued his stellar play with key stops that preserved the FireWolves’ lead.
As the clock wound down, Albany’s energy never wavered. Every possession was treated with urgency, and the defensive unit refused to break under late pressure. The win, perhaps their grittiest of the season, keeps Albany’s playoff hopes alive heading into the final week.
Key Performers
Albany FireWolves:
- Tye Kurtz – 6 goals, 3 assists
- Dyson Williams – 1 goal, 5 assists
- Ethan Walker – 4 assists
- Alex Simmons – 1 goal, 4 assists
- Kyle Jackson – 2 goals, 1 assist
- Doug Jamieson – 39 saves on 49 shots
- Glenn Clark – 11th All Time In Wins
San Diego Seals:
- Ben McIntosh – 2 goals, 2 assists
- Rob Hellyer – 4 assists
- Zac Currier – 2 goals 1 assist
- Ryan Benesch – 1 goal, 3 assists
- Jake Govett – 2 goals
- Pat Kavanagh – 1 goal, 2 assist (NLL Debut)
- Chris Origlieri – 36 saves on 47 shots (left in 4Q with Injury)
Looking Ahead: Playoff Scenarios and Key Matchups
With the win, Albany improves to 7-10 and remains firmly in the playoff conversation. They now head west for a massive rematch with San Diego on Friday, April 18. After starting the season 2-8, the FireWolves are on the verge of a remarkable turnaround. A win next week—along with some help from around the league—could punch their ticket to the postseason.
For the Seals, it’s their third straight loss, dropping them to 8-9. With one final matchup against Albany remaining, San Diego’s path to the playoffs is simple: win and you’re in. With pressure mounting, their postseason hopes hang in the balance.
