“That’s just the way Coach Hiller drew it up,” said Tim Brynes, Cannons midfielder.
“I’m not that smart,” said Coach Hiller.

Brynes and Hiller are referring to Tim’s no-look behind the back, underhanded game winning shot that came with just eight seconds remaining in regulation, as the Cannons beat the Long Island Lizards 17 – 16 in their season opener, their first ever game at Nickerson Field in front of a Cannons record 6,312 fans.

The Cannons trailed 13 – 10 heading into the fourth quarter. Boston took its first lead of the game on a Steve Dusseau goal with 1:42 remaining.

Long Island’s Jay Jalbert, the 2003 MLL MVP tied it for the Lizards with 32 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Boston took possession on a Peter Inge face off win and with eight seconds remaining Chris Rotelli found Byrnes for his Picasso-esque game winner. It was Byrnes’ only goal of the game.

“Going to Syracuse I’ve seen the Powells taking those shots (Casey and Ryan),” said Byrnes. “I’ve seen guys like (Cannons Midfielder Kevin) Leveille do it in practice. I guess it was the right time for me to bring that shot out. The bottom line is that we won the game and sent this great crowd home happy.”

The Cannons outscored the Lizards 6-3 in the fourth quarter to earn the win. Midfielder Kevin Leveille scored two goals in the game’s final quarter to power the Cannons.

“We were working hard,” said Leveille. “We try to be the best conditioned team in the league and I think it showed in the fourth quarter. We were there both mentally and physically.”

Conor Gill and David Evans led the way for the Cannons with five points apiece. Evans earned his points on the strength of 3 goals, one of which was a momentum change two-pointer with 7:32 left in the third quarter, to go along with an assist. Gill recorded a goal and four assists. Chris Rotelli was strong in his Cannons debut assisting on three goals including Byrnes’ game winner. Michael Watson had 3 goals and Mike Battista notched two.

“It was a great way to christen our new stadium,” said Battista. “To come to Boston and get a win like that in front of a huge crowd, it’s a great feeling. I think all of the fans tonight will definitely come back.”

The Cannons opened the season at a new venue, but the result was the same. All four Cannons season openers in the franchise’s brief history have been decided by one goal. Boston improves to 3 and 1 in season openers and 2 and 1 in home openers.

Not be lost in the midst of pretty game winning goals and gaudy offensive numbers is the work of faceoff guy, Chris Cercy, Peter Inge. Going against the MLL’s top faceoff guy Inge simply won 28 of 34 faceoffs, an 82% clip. For good measure he also picked 11 ground balls.

“I’ve worked hard all offseason to get in shape,” said Inge. “Now that I have a year of MLL experience under my belt of feel a lot more confident. It was a great way to start the season.”

Long Island was led offensively by Jalbert who scored 4 goals. Andrew Wasik, Conor Denihan and Tim Goettlemann all notched two points apiece. Brian Dougherty had a huge game between the pipes with 23 saves.

The Cannons started the game flat, despite trailing only 3-2 after one. Boston had difficulties in the second quarter. They were outscored 5-2 and trailed 8 – 4 at the half. Boston trailed by as many as 5 goals (10-5 with 10:23 left in the third) before mounting a comeback.

“It was a great win, but we we didn’t play our best game,” said Hiller. “We’re happy to get the win, but just like last season’s opener, it was exciting, but we now we can do more.”

The Cannons made it 10-8 after an Evans two-pointer with 7:32 remaining in the third quarter, which was followed by a Battista tally that cut the lead to one with 1:27 to go in the third.

The next Cannons game is Thursday May 27 against the Bayhawks in Baltimore. The game begins at 7:30, coverage on the Boston Cannons Web Radio Network starts at 7:15.