It wasn’t the one-goal game we’re used to on Saturday, as the Chargers fell to Bowling Green 4-1 at the Von Braun Center.
For what it’s worth, it was an improvement over Friday’s disappointing 7-0 loss. Despite playing with more energy on the offensive end, the Falcons simply capitalized on their chances while the Chargers did not. UAH outshot BG 27-26 for the game, the first time the Chargers had more shots on goal against a Division I opponent since Dec. 31, 2011 (a 4-3 loss to Mercyhurst).
Bowling Green didn’t waste time taking the lead. Adam Berkle redirected Mike Sullivan’s blast through traffic and past UAH goaltender Carmine Guerriero just 21 seconds into the contest.
The Falcons, using a similar plan as Friday night, fired away, getting seven of the first eight shots on goal. In the latter half of the first, however, UAH started to close the shooting lanes, and the Chargers were able to get some chances of their own.
BG netminder Tommy Burke, who got the shutout in game one, made the saves to keep it a 1-0 score after one period.
UAH had a better second period, but still saw its deficit grow. The Chargers had two overlapping power plays to start the period, but after they expired, Brent Tate wrists a shot from the top of the slot to give Bowling Green a 2-0 lead at the 3:58 mark.
With 10:53 left, Dan DeSalvo found a loss puck off of Guerriero and knocks it in to make it 3-0. Rusty Hafner made it 4-0 three minutes later.
The Chargers finally got on the board with 3:50 left in the second. Stephen McKenna earned his second goal of the season when he directed a Steve Koshey shot past Burke. Craig Pierce got the second assist.
Despite outshooting the Falcons 10-6 for the second period, BG outscored UAH 3-1. UAH continued to provide offensive pressure in the third period with a 11-9 shots on goal advantage, but none would find the net.
The Chargers next travel to Notre Dame for a two-game series next Friday and Saturday. The next home series is Jan. 16-17 against Alaska-Anchorage for Military Appreciation Weekend.