ORLANDO – In front of a very loud, very anxious crowd of over 4,500 Thursday night, the Orlando Solar Bears lost the opening game of their ECHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal playoff series 4-2 against the Cincinnati Cyclones.
First period goals by Taylor Matson and Wade MacLoed gave the Solar Bears an early 2-1 lead on their home ice. Yet, the Cyclones went on a 3-goal run that the Bears could not answer.
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The Solar Bears had plenty of chances, shooting the puck at the Cyclones goal keeper 36 times, however, they were unable to sustain any momentum throughout a long stretch of the game after scoring two quick goals in the first period.
Cincinnati was up 3-2 late in the 3rd period when Cyclones forward Trevor Lewis scored a heartbreaking goal to put the game out of reach for the Solar Bears.
Good news though Solar Bear fans, it is a best-of-seven series and game 2 will be Sunday at 7 p.m.