MONROE, LA - The Monroe Moccasins came up short in their return home after a five-game road trip, falling 2–1 to the Athens Rock Lobsters on Friday night at the Monroe Civic Center.
The loss continued Monroe’s long-running struggles against Athens, now 1-14-3 all-time against the Rock Lobsters and 0-2-1 this season, despite outshooting Athens 28–21 and controlling long stretches of play.
After a scoreless first period, Monroe generated early pressure in the second but couldn’t break through. Athens took advantage on the power play late in the period after Brandon Picard put the Rock Lobsters ahead 1–0 at 17:18.Athens struck again less than three minutes later after Joe Mack scored off the rush shorthanded to make it 2–0 at 19:35.
Monroe responded early in the third period when Carlos Fornaris cut the deficit to 2–1 at 7:04 on a pass from Austin Albrecht. The goal gave the Moccasins life to generate momentum late. Despite the push, Monroe couldn’t find the tying goal. Both teams will be back at it tomorrow night at 7:05pm.
FPHL 
