Kugler Has a Passing Interest
Robinson Senior Keys State Title Win With Four Assists
By B.J. Koubaroulis
Special to The Washington Post
Sunday, June 3, 2007; E10

A prolific goal scorer during his high school lacrosse career, Robinson's Matt Kugler proved last night during an 11-3 state final victory over Westfield that he's a capable passer as well.
The senior All-Met attackman added four assists to his three goals to lift the 10th-ranked Rams to their second straight state championship. Kugler also completed a season in which he had more assists (56) than goals (51).

He has more than 300 points in his career.
"I really have nothing to prove. This team has nothing to prove," Kugler said. "My reason to pass this year is because I knew the slide was going to come faster, and they were going to double-team. If there is an opportunity to take it to the goal, I'll take it to the goal. You have to take what the defense gives you."

Robinson (18-2) finished having beaten every team it faced from Virginia. Last night was the fourth time Robinson beat Westfield (15-6) this season.

"Kugler is probably the best player in the region," Westfield Coach Gary Malm said. "We tried many things in four games to do something, and it doesn't work. I'm just happy he's graduating."
In four meetings, Robinson outscored Westfield 46-28. Three of the games decided the district, region and state titles.

"To beat them four times in a row is something pretty unheard of in sports," said Kugler, who had five goals in last season's 11-6 victory over Oakton in the state championship game. "I think that just says how great this team is."

After Westfield senior midfielder David Slover scored the opening goal on a 12-yard shot, Kugler scored to tie the game with 7 minutes 10 seconds left in the first half. The goal ignited a 5-0 run for Robinson before Slover scored again to cut the lead to 5-2 at halftime. Robinson outscored Westfield 3-0 in the third quarter.

Senior midfielder Sean O'Sullivan's goal with 7:36 left in the fourth quarter ended a 19-minute scoring drought for Westfield and cut the lead to 8-3.

Robinson won the faceoff battle 9-8 and outshot the Bulldogs 30-28. Robinson's Danny Fritz scored three goals and Tyler Zinck scored twice to finish the season with 41 goals.
"I'm just another member of Robinson, and I'm glad I got to play on the Robinson state championship team, and that's all that matters to me," said Kugler.

No. 10 Robinson 11, Westfield 3 Three-pronged Offense: Adam Dahms (40 goals), Sean O'Sullivan (38 goals) and Kenny Talbot (31 goals) scored 109 of Westfield's 203 goals this season (53-percent). They also combined for 49 assists. Brick Wall: Robinson senior goalkeeper Ryan Kleman had 10 saves and ended the season with a .680 save percentage.