Goettelmann Sets Mark as Lizards Retain Title

By David Abramowicz - NEWSDAY STAFF WRITER

August 11, 2003

At 6-4, 215 pounds, Tim Goettelmann is strong enough to pound opposing defensemen to the ground, but too big to appear graceful on a lacrosse field. With that in mind, he yanked a pair of long, white socks over his calves as he put on his Long Island Lizards uniform yesterday, tossing aside the pair of low-riding socks he has worn all season.

"I think white makes me look quicker," he explained.

When he stepped on the field for the Lizards' game against the New Jersey Pride, he certainly appeared quicker.

Goettelmann, a Manhasset product and former eighth-round draft pick, pumped in nine goals to set a Major League Lacrosse record and propel the Lizards to a 23-16 win at Mitchel Athletic Complex.

Jay Jalbert also had a record-setting day, scooping 19 ground balls to break the previous league mark of 17, and Brian Dougherty made 17 saves as the Lizards (8-3) clinched their third straight American Division title.

If they beat the Baltimore Bayhawks at home in their final regular-season game Sunday at 6 p.m., the Lizards will enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed.

Goettelmann, the tallest Long Island player, overshadowed his teammates with his play and was the game MVP.

Pat McCabe, a Lizards defenseman, nicknamed him "Monster" while defending him in practice two years ago, and the name has stuck.

Despite his size and intimidating presence around the goal, however, he had never scored more than five goals in a game. He had only 20 this season - an average of two per game - before scoring nine on only 10 shots against the Pride (6-5).

The long socks, Goettelmann said afterward, would remain around his calves the rest of the season.

"I just felt really light tonight," he said. "I'm pretty surprised myself."

LIZARDS 23
NEW JERSEY 16
Sunday Baltimore At Lizards