Andrew Kasten scores game-winner as McDonogh lacrosse edges Loyola Blakefield, 7-6, in 2 OT in MIAA A quarterfinal

At the start of the lacrosse season, McDonogh coach Andy Hilgartner raved about the special intangibles senior captain Andrew Kasten brought to the team.

On Friday, against determined Loyola Blakefield in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference quarterfinals, the standout midfielder put them on display in the most urgent times, willing the season to continue.

After tying the game with six seconds left in the fourth quarter — the Eagles’ second goal in 17 seconds — Kasten scooped up a ground ball well before midfield and quickly headed to the other end in the final seconds of the second four-minute overtime.

His second goal of the game — coming with 17 seconds left in the second session of extra time — completed an epic 7-6 comeback home win for the two-time defending champions over the Dons.

McDonogh (13-3) will take on second seed Archbishop Spalding (13-4) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in a semifinal at Navy Marine-Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. Spalding claimed a 10-9 road win over the Eagles in the regular-season game on April 16.

“It was such a defensive game and the clock was running down and a play was needed to be made and I knew that was my chance,” Kasten said. “We talked all week how we weren’t leaving today without going to Navy next Tuesday. It’s indescribable to do that with my teammates. It was such a team effort, especially on defense — 7-6 — it’s as good as it gets. MIAA lacrosse.”

Defense, indeed, carried most of the day.

McDonogh goalie Aidan Seibel finished with 11 saves and Loyola’s Jesse D’Alonzo countered with nine. Each team’s top defensemen — McDonogh’s Max Allen and the Dons’ Peter Laake and Brady Nicholas — more than held their own against quality attacks.

With the game past the midway point of the fourth quarter, McDonogh went up by one goal for the fourth time only to see the Dons respond.

After Hunter Metz provided the Eagles with a 4-3 lead with 5:57 to play, the Dons won the ensuing faceoff and Laake tied the game seven seconds later. It was the start of the game’s first run of goals with Luke Rush scoring his third goal and Matt Joerres giving Loyola a 6-4 lead with 2:07 to play in the fourth quarter.

With the Eagles in the final seconds of a man advantage, fellow senior captain Ben Firlie cut the lead to 6-5 with 23 seconds left.

McDonogh’s sophomore faceoff specialist Ciaran Sweeney, who dominated for most of the game, won another with the ball finding Bogue Hahn, who circled behind the cage before feeding Kasten in front for the tying goal.

Both teams had several unsuccessful possessions in the first overtime and then the Eagles killed a one-minute penalty at the start of the second before Kasten had the final say. After the ground ball, the terrific run in transition and a well-placed shot from the right side, the Eagles were jubilant — and relieved.

“When you’re a little kid, you dream of these moments and just picturing what we did today, I can’t put words to it,” Seibel said. “We never give up on each other. All these guys are willing to do anything for each other, whether it’s getting an extra ground ball or an extra save, making an extra tough play on the wing. I’m just thankful for [Kasten] right here for showing something at the end of the game.”

The Dons (9-8) closed the regular season with three straight wins to finish 6-4 in conference play and earn the sixth and final seed. After falling to the Eagles, 16-6, in the regular-season game on April 19, they vowed to do better and were within seconds of eliminating the two-time defending champions.

“Our guys didn’t leave anything on the field and the seniors and the foundation they set, that doesn’t go away,” first-year coach Will Haus said. “To be honest, we were embarrassed the last time we played them and we were really determined to help and support each other, play together. Had a couple more bounces go our way and if we get one more in there. … But the kids fought hard, supported each other and that’s all you can ask for.”

Loyola — 1 0 2 3 0 0 — 6

McDonogh — 1 1 1 3 0 1 — 7

Goals: LB — Rush 3, Laake 2, Joerres; M —  Kasten 2, Miller, Hahn, Millon, Metz, Firlie. Assists: LB — M. Cook,  Bleach 2; M — Hahn, Kasten. Saves: LB — D’Alonzo 9; M — Seibel 11