USHL Moore’s late goal lifts Phantoms

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Phantoms are now one point off of fourth place in the Eastern Conference after a 3-2 comeback win against the Bloomington Thunder. Bloomington currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Thunder scored two goals in the first six minutes of the game. The Phantoms wouldn’t respond until Alex Esposito scored off a rebound late in the second period. Seven minutes into the third period, Chase Pearson notched his ninth goal of the season. He’s record at least a point in his last nine games, the longest active streak iin the USHL.

“We had a few good days of practice, and I think that rolled right into the game,” Pearson said. “We had good energy even though we fell behind early, and we knew we would get back into the game if we just stuck with the plan.”

As both teams dug to secure the tie, Connor Moore flung a wrister from the point to get the go-ahead goal. Moore now has nine points in his last four games.

“I just threw the puck to the net hoping for something good, and fortunately for us it snuck in,” Moore said. “It was a great effort by the guys tonight coming from behind.”

The Phantoms and Thunder face off again tonight at 8 p.m.