The West Michigan Phantoms came so close to victory on Sunday, however, could not muster a tying goal to advance the contest to overtime. Not since the final game of the regular season last season, has the Phantoms battled so hard during a game. During that May 11th contest, the Phantoms captured a great victory against the Junkyard Dawgs 4-3. This past Sunday, the Phantoms played with the same heart and same passion as they did during that May game, but could not topple the Dawgs as the Phantoms fell by the final of 3-2. Late in the opening period the Junkyard Dawgs would break the scoreless deadlock with a strike with 2:40 remaining in the opening period. That strike, would be the first and only goal of the period as both goaltenders would play excellent through the opening 16 minutes. In that opening stanza, the Dawgs would out shot the Yellow Shirts 14-8. In the second period, the Dawgs would strike with a pair of goals 3:02 apart to climb into a 3-0 lead against the Phantoms. However, the Phantoms who played so hard up to that point, would not roll over and die. In fact, the Phantoms would continue with the same style of play and the same pressure as they displayed at the start of the game. With just 5:41 remaining in the period, that pressure and play would finally go the Phantoms way as Tim Czyzyk would put the Phantoms on the board. With time running out, Phantom newcomer Chad Manning would narrow the contest to just a goal, as the Phantom would bring the second period to a close trailing 3-2. In the third period, both teams would play a hard-fought brand of hockey. The masters of the crease would deny opportunities on both ends. Despite the Phantoms inability to score on a late period power-play, the team would be forced to pull the netminder for the extra attacker. With nearly 50 seconds of extra attacker time in their possession, a lack of Phantom shots in the final minute would inflict the Phantoms with their third loss of the season. Despite the loss, everyone on Phantoms was pleased with the teams play. The team showed the most passion and most energy in 9 games dating back to last season. On the game, the Phantoms were out shot 30-28. On the Nauty's Penalty Minute Board, the Junkyard Dawgs were ticketed with two minors for four minutes, while the Phantoms were ticketed with a single minor for two minutes. The Phantoms will take a week off next week and will return to Cedar Rock on August 17th to tangle with the Sharkies.