Fast breaks are prime opportunities should lead to goals just about every time in the game of lacrosse. Typically, in every fast break, there is a clear numbers advantage. That could be a traditional four-on-three with a midfielder pushing the ball down the field. That could be a five-on-four coming off a failed clear where we’re really looking to push transition. Fast breaks are a crucial opportunity to find the back of the net. Scoring in a settled six-on-six set is very difficult, especially with how good defenses have become today. Any opportunity to have a numbers advantage needs to be capitalized on.

That statement might not fully resonate with youth or even high school players who don’t always understand the numbers game. Understanding there’s a clear advantage and realizing that the best course of action is to keep decreasing those numbers is key. It’s about turning a four-on-three into a three-on-two. Then turning that three-on-two into a two-on-one. The final piece is getting to a point where you’re one-on-one with the goalie. Coaches may preach this concept, but I don’t think many players understand that it’s really this simple. You can hammer home drills all day, but until you break it down this way, it might not always translate.

We’ve all seen it. There’s a clear fast break opportunity and an athlete makes just one pass to an attackman who then takes a contested shot. Everyone is frustrated because the writing was on the wall. It was a prime scoring chance that got wasted. But that leads me to the real secret reason why fast breaks often fail in lacrosse. Athletes are not being taught to consistently follow the slide.

Picture a fast break coming down the field in a four-on-three situation. It’s common knowledge that the ball carrier needs to draw a defender. Once a defender slides, the ball should immediately move to where that slide came from. This is where things start to break down. Most athletes, as soon as they see their defender slide upfield to the ball carrier, plant their feet and stay exactly where they are. They might demand the ball and call for an outlet, but by planting their feet, they’re limiting their ability to keep the advantage alive.

The best thing they can do is follow that sliding defender upfield toward the ball carrier while still calling for the ball. Doing this pulls the second rotation upfield, chasing the next pass option, which creates more space and more opportunity for the offense. Another great example is when the next pass goes to an attackman at GLE. This attackman’s position is super important because of their proximity to the net. If their defender slides upfield, the attackman often plants their feet right at GLE. By the time the ball gets to them, they can feel the pressure of that third defenseman rotating across the crease. At that point, the attackman is no longer in a position to score, but they will often take a low-angle contested shot anyway.

If that attackman had continued to move their feet upfield with their sliding defender, they would put themselves in a much better scoring position. They would also make it more difficult for that third defenseman to rotate over in time. This is not a concept that is talked about often, but it’s crucial. Understanding the numbers advantage on a fast break, combined with the habit of following the slide, will completely change the success rate of your transition offense.

Fast breaks are prime scoring opportunities in the game of lacrosse. Offenses need to capitalize on them at a high rate. Teaching players to understand the advantage and to move with the defense, not away from it, is how you get the ball in the back of the net more often.

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We’ve all been in this exact situation. Whether it was a youth lacrosse game or a professional one, the level doesn’t matter. The concept has been stapled into the game as a fundamental. An offensive player takes a shot, and the motion doesn’t exactly follow a wide, arcing path over his head. From the sideline, a coach yells out, “OVERHAND.” If the player misses completely, you can bet that coach is going to let him hear it. And in most cases, even if he scores, his walk back to the sideline is met with a conversation that starts with something like, “Hey, glad that went in, but that’s gotta be an overhand shot.”

Overhand shooting makes sense when you look at the history of the game. Lacrosse has been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, and for most of that time the equipment remained relatively the same. Before modern advancements like lacrosse mesh, almost every stick was strung with traditional leather and had very limited whip or hold. It was an art just to string a stick that had decent control. Because of this, the most effective shot was overhand, especially at the youth level, since it offered a consistent track and release.

Flash forward to 2025, and the game is completely different. Plastic heads have evolved. Mesh has changed everything. Shafts are now designed to flex and warp. These advancements have opened the door for new and creative ways to shoot the ball outside of overhand shooting. At the youth level, many players quickly realize that overhand shots don’t always generate the same power as sidearm ones. Sidearm feels more natural for beginners. It uses more arms than mechanics, and for young athletes, that feels stronger. But when all coaches do is yell at them to “shoot overhand” and shut them down when they don’t, it becomes hard for kids to understand that there’s more than one way to play.

It gets even more confusing when they turn on the TV and watch college or professional players. They see creativity, finesse, and stick skills that go beyond any one shooting motion. While overhand shooting still has a place, there are an infinite number of ways to score a lacrosse goal, and that’s obvious if you watch the game at a high level. That’s when the question comes: “How come they don’t have to shoot overhand?” And usually, the answer is something like, “Well, they’re just better at the game.”

To me, that’s always been a contradiction. You showcase elite players as the model, but then tell kids not to imitate them. If those players had been told to only ever shoot overhand and never experiment, their development would’ve been completely different. Some of them might never have reached that level at all. So how can you expect youth players to grow into high-level athletes if you’re only letting them shoot in one “fundamental” way?

The game has to evolve just like every other major sport. Baseball used to teach level swings, but now it’s about launch angles and power. The midrange jumper in basketball has vanished, replaced by layups and deep threes thanks to analytics. Quarterbacks used to be taught to throw strictly over the top, but now they work from multiple arm angles. Soccer has evolved past power shots into deceptive placement and tight footwork.

Every sport has evolved, and gotten better for it. It’s time for lacrosse to follow suit. Yes, players should know how to shoot overhand. But what’s more important is giving them the tools and the freedom to develop a full arsenal of ways to score. So why not let youth players experiment? Why not teach overhand and also teach how to shoot with deception, with creativity, and with freedom?

At the end of the day, scoring comes down to placement and deception. And when you limit your players to only overhand shooting, you’re not just stunting their growth, you’re capping their ceiling. Imagine a youth lacrosse world where creativity was encouraged, not punished. The growth would be exponential. We’re starting to see it now. Coaches are slowly moving away from strict overhand instruction, and the game is better for it. Players are reaching new heights, and the game itself is more exciting. That’s a win for everyone including players, coaches, and fans.

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The Utah Archers are looking to three-peat in the 2025 PLL season after securing the league championship in back-to-back years. Chris Bates has done an excellent job building a roster for long-term success, balancing young, up-and-coming talent with veterans who can still make an impact. He’s consistently been one of the best coaches in the league on draft day, and that’s helped lead the Archers to where they are today. The offense has always been the heart of this team’s identity, with the defense being serviceable enough to win a championship. However, as we head into Week Four of the PLL season, Utah’s offense currently sits in last when it comes to scoring, while the defense ranks number one.

With such a small sample size, it’s tough to say if this will be a long-term issue for the Utah Archers. The team went 6–4 last year and still managed to win a PLL championship. And with the way playoffs are formatted in the Premier Lacrosse League, almost anyone can make a run and find themselves on the podium come September. That said, with three games under their belt, the Archers have a clear offensive problem. Scoring just 9.3 goals per game puts them last among all eight teams. They’re averaging only 34 shots per game, again, at the bottom of the league. Their shooting percentage is respectable at 26.5%, which actually ranks fourth. For reference, last year’s team averaged 41.3 shots per game at a 29.5% clip.

So where’s the drop-off really coming from? It starts with their inability to consistently win dodges. Despite only minor changes, this Archers squad has a slightly different identity due to offseason moves and injuries early in 2025. From a midfield perspective, the only returning players who have contributed so far are Tom Schreiber, Ryan Ambler, and Dyson Williams.

Grant Ament has carried over from last year, but he’s been dealing with injuries and has only appeared in two games, one of which he exited early. Tre Leclaire has yet to make his 2025 debut after putting up 23 points last season, and that’s a huge loss. Leclaire consistently drew a short stick and won his matchups at a high rate. During the offseason, the Archers also parted ways with Jack VanOverbeke and Ryan Aughavin. At the time, the decision made sense, it created more opportunity for Dyson Williams and helped manage the salary cap. But their absence has been felt more than ever. Both VanOverbeke and Aughavin brought a level of chemistry that’s clearly missing right now. The current midfield rotation consists of an aging Schreiber, a developing rookie in Sam King, a second-year pro in Williams, and a role player in Ambler. Without Leclaire and Ament, and without the familiarity of VanOverbeke and Aughavin, this midfield just doesn’t have the same cohesion.

When it comes to the attack line, there’s been a major issue there too. It’s not Connor Fields. It’s not Matt Moore. But Mac O’Keefe has been pretty much invisible this season. With just one goal, no assists, and a brutal 7.1% shooting percentage through three games, you could argue the Archers are playing a man down on offense. That’s a drastic fall from last season, when O’Keefe put up 24 points on 19 goals at 26.7%. There’s still time for him to figure it out, but in a 10-game regular season, starting with just one point through three games is a red flag. With the midfield struggling to get into rhythm, the attack line needs to pick up the slack. In the PLL, a successful attack unit needs all three guys firing. Fields and Moore are doing their part with a combined 14 points, but O’Keefe is dragging that group down.

The saving grace for the Archers is their elite defense. The unit is giving up just nine scores per game, best in the league, and Brett Dobson is currently tied with Blaze Riorden at a 62.7% save percentage, reinforcing his case as one of the top goalies in the world. The Utah Archers have won and loss all three games by just one goal, largely thanks to the defense stepping up and bailing out an offense that still hasn’t found its rhythm.

There’s still plenty of time left in the PLL season, and Chris Bates is the best at what he does. The return of Ament and Leclaire could bring things back to normal, but until then, the Utah Archers need to find answers on offense if they want to win the West and secure better playoff positioning.

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We’re at the point of the Premier Lacrosse League season where we can start analyzing the biggest surprise players so far. There’s still a lot of season left, so this list could definitely change. But five individuals have already jumped off the page in terms of production based on what their expectations were heading into the season. While there are certainly many unsung heroes who don’t show up on the stat sheet, this list is tailored specifically to guys who have put up surprising numbers heading into Week Four. So here are the five biggest surprise players so far in the 2025 PLL season.

Dylan Molloy
Dylan Molloy has had a very interesting professional lacrosse career to say the least. The 2017 Brown graduate entered the professional scene with a lot of high expectations. He had a solid run in the MLL but could never really seem to get his footing in the PLL. Flash forward to 2025 and he’s now a focal point of this brand-new Redwoods offense. Entering Week Four with only three games played, the man has 13 points on the season and very few turnovers to his name. He struggled the past two years to find playing time with the Atlas, but it seems like the Redwoods have become his home. It’s awesome to see a veteran player like this show out in his 10th year of professional lacrosse.

Sam King
Archers head coach Chris Bates was shocked to see Sam King fall into his lap during the PLL Draft. Utah landing one of the Ivy League’s best offensive players was certainly not on many people’s bingo card. You can already tell the impact King has on this Archers team, as he’s currently tied with Schreiber in points at 8. He’s playing with a ton of confidence, and he seemingly has the green light to go out there and play his game — which has benefited him greatly. He hasn’t scored much — just one one-pointer and one two-pointer — but his five assists carry a lot of weight. This Archers offense so far isn’t as dominant as it has been in years past, but it seems like Sam King is definitely a big part of the equation moving forward.

Thomas McConvey
2025 looks like it’s going to be McConvey’s breakout year in his third PLL season. During his first two years in the league, he struggled to maintain a roster spot and get consistent playing time, only appearing in six games across two seasons. With three games under his belt in 2025, the man has already scored eight goals. What’s more impressive than the eight goals is that they’ve come off just 15 shots, putting him at a 53% shooting percentage. The Waterdogs offense is lethal from top to bottom, and part of that reason is McConvey stepping up and showing why he deserves consistent playing time in this league.

Jackson Eicher
Jackson Eicher falling to free agency seems like a joke looking back at it. The Army West Point graduate put together a showcase year for the Black Knights and was a First Team All-American. He certainly earned his spot through training camp, securing himself quality minutes for a developing Carolina Chaos squad. Through three games, the Patriot has racked up eight points — five goals and three assists. As the Chaos look to find an identity for their team, it seems like Eicher could be a big part of that moving forward. The only issue for him is that the supporting cast needs to help him out — and as of right now, 2025 looks like it’s going to be a forgettable year for Chaos fans.

Logan McNaney
Who would have thought the Maryland Terrapins’ all-time saves leader would have such a solid debut in the PLL this season? The second-round draft pick for the Denver Outlaws balled out in Week Three, putting up a 66.7% save percentage. Being a goalie selected that high in the draft, one would’ve thought he would have earned the starting job through training camp, but apparently, he didn’t. It took all the way until Week Three for the goalie change to happen, and the Denver Outlaws certainly aren’t going to look back.

I don’t want to say it’s too surprising that he played well, but he definitely overachieved in his debut, and for that, I’ll put him on this list. Hopefully, he can be a staple of this Denver Outlaws team moving forward, as they certainly need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the field.

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We’re two weeks into the 2025 PLL season, and while it’s still early, we’re starting to see some real storylines take shape. Some teams look like contenders. Others? Not so much. Too many uncertainties right now to feel confident about any specific team. With a full slate of PLL games on deck this weekend, here’s what I’ll be keeping an eye on for each team in Week 3.

Boston Cannons
The Boston Cannons, through recent history, have been a quantity-over-quality shooting team. The team is currently averaging 49 shots per game, which leads the league. This mindset paid off in the Week 1 game against the Atlas, where they threw up 47 shots and scored at a 32% rate. Certainly not bad if you can maintain that shooting percentage. However, last week against the Archers, the Cannons put up 51 shots but only scored at a 15% clip. There are different philosophies on the quality of shots professional players should be taking and how often. The Cannons have historically loved to get a high volume of shots on net, but inconsistency in their ability to find the back of the net has hurt the offense in years past. Going into this week’s matchup against the Waterdogs, I’m curious to see if they put up a similar number of shots — and how their shooting percentage reflects the final score.

Philadelphia Waterdogs
Following a Week 1 bye, the Waterdogs were able to put up 16 points against the Whipsnakes in their debut. This was fairly impressive, as the Whipsnakes have one of the more stout defenses in the league. The Waterdogs, on paper, should be one of the most daunting offenses in the PLL, but as we all saw last year, coming up a goal short numerous weeks in a row can really deflate a team’s narrative and confidence. My question going into Week 3 is: Was the 16-point performance a fluke, or can the Waterdogs repeat a similar showing against another top-notch defense in the Cannons? Michael Sowers and Kieran McArdle combined for 14 points last week, so it will be interesting to see how the Cannons plan to handle this elite duo. The Waterdogs’ defense still has a lot to prove, but if they want to keep winning games, the offense is going to have to score around 16 goals every week.

California Redwoods
The controversial topic of the week: Are the California Redwoods legit? A Week 1 stomping of the Outlaws saw the Redwoods lead in just about every statistical category. Scoring at a 42% rate is certainly new territory for the Redwoods. That shooting percentage was brought back down to earth against the Carolina Chaos the following week, scoring at 26%. However, the team took a whopping 58 shots and possessed the ball for eight more minutes than the Chaos. This helped lead to a 13–2 scoring run in the second and third quarters. With a new coaching regime and many new faces scattered across the field, it really does seem like the Redwoods have found their identity for the first time in a long time. Redwoods fans have something to be excited about, but the real test comes this weekend as the team still has to prove themselves against a quality opponent — and the Archers will be just that.

Utah Archers
Moore, Dobson, and Ament are questionable. Only 16 goals in two games.
Heading into Week 3, Moore, Dobson, and Ament are all listed as questionable. While it seems like all three will still play, there are definitely concerns around the Archers’ production. Scoring only 16 goals across two weeks is less than ideal, especially given the talent on this high-flying offense. Losing Ament last week took a bigger hit on the team’s overall flow than some may have expected. The question for me heading into Week 3 is: Are injuries going to be the story of the Archers in 2025? The Archers showed multiple times last year that they were human, finishing the regular season 6–4. With only two games under their belt in 2025, it’s tough to feel confident about where the Archers are right now — especially given the health questions. You can only rely on the fact that you’re back-to-back champs for so long before you have to show up on the field, and I think Week 3 against the Redwoods is going to give us a much better gauge of where this team stands.

New York Atlas
Following their PLL Homecoming and a bye week, the Atlas should be feeling fresh going into their matchup against the Whipsnakes. We know the offense can produce at a high level, and that’s the standard this team operates with. The defense, on the other hand, still has a lot to prove. Entenmann can make a strong case this year that he’s a top-three goalie in the league. His supporting cast on the defensive side needs to step up and help him — and the team — out. A significantly young and small-ball lineup at the pole position didn’t fully work last year, and this unit still has a lot to prove. If the Atlas want to capitalize on their star-studded offensive lineup, the defense is going to have to make consistent noise week in and week out, which this team hasn’t been able to do in recent years. If the defensive unit struggles against the Whipsnakes, I would expect a similar year for the Atlas, with the defense selling out when it matters most.

Maryland Whipsnakes
The man of the week has definitely been Matt Rambo, as his age has come into question. Rambo has been a focal point of this Whipsnakes offense since the PLL began, and his time with the Maryland Terrapins will be cemented in lacrosse history. However, in 2025 through two games, Rambo has done absolutely nothing on the field. Zero goals. Zero assists. Only 28 touches. It seems like Stagnitta can see the writing on the wall — that Rambo’s professional career may be coming to a close — which is why it’s so important that he starts producing in Week 3. Rambo can’t afford to go another week with a double goose egg stat line if he wants to maintain a roster spot.

Denver Outlaws
There’s been a lot of conversation around the Denver Outlaws offense this week, but the real question mark heading into Week 3 is the goalie situation. McElroy had a 42% save percentage in Week 1, followed up with a worse performance in Week 2 at 36%. These are not maintainable numbers to hold a roster spot in the PLL — or frankly, at any level. The Outlaws selected Logan McNaney fairly high in the draft, showcasing their confidence in using him between the pipes. McElroy has not been doing his job, so why not throw McNaney into the fire? He’s only coming off one of the best college careers in lacrosse history, where he was a consistent All-American.

Carolina Chaos
While the Chaos may not be playing this week, I hope they utilize this time off to really analyze their X’s and O’s. It would be a shame to see this team fall to the bottom of the leaderboard as the weeks go on, given the amount of talent they have on the defensive side of the ball. Blaze Riorden deserves another shot at a championship, but with the Chaos roster constructed the way it is right now, it doesn’t seem like 2025 will be that year. Enjoy the week off, but at the same time, take a hard look in the mirror to see what needs to change going into Week 4 of the PLL.

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The Denver Outlaws came into 2025 with a good amount of optimism. Brennan O’Neill had firmly established himself as one of the best players in the world—if not the best. Being able to build your franchise around one player doesn’t automatically equate to wins, but it definitely makes the job easier. Finishing the season with a 5–5 record, second overall in the West, and a close loss in the playoffs, Outlaws fans should have been excited for what was to come. Flash forward to the end of Week Two of the 2025 PLL season, and Denver Outlaws fans now seemingly have reason to be nervous with how the team has been performing.

The talk of the town has been the fact that the Denver Outlaws have four Tewaaraton winners on their roster. Jared Bernhardt, following his career at Maryland, had a brief stint in the NFL where he looked to earn a roster spot at wide receiver. Flash forward to just two weeks ago, and Bernhardt made the decision to come back to lacrosse and make his PLL debut. This is one of the most exciting moments in Premier Lacrosse League history, as it’s really the first time we’ve seen free-agent rumblings for a big-name player and speculation about where exactly he would sign. He made the decision to go with the Outlaws, which made sense for a number of reasons. Bernhardt won the 2021 Tewaaraton with 99 points, made up of 71 goals and 28 assists. Fellow Terrapin Logan Wisnauskas repeated the award the following year with an impressive 103 points, tallying 61 goals and 42 assists. Brennan O’Neill obviously had a monster 2023, putting up 55 goals and 42 assists for 97 points. Notre Dame’s Pat Kavanagh followed that up with an 80-point season in 2024 to win the award himself.

On paper, this lineup is absolutely terrifying solely due to the versatility each of these players brings to the table. To have four collegiate MVPs on your roster should be an instant recipe for success—especially considering three of them are proven professional players, with Bernhardt looking to make his case. The only issue is, this team offensively has absolutely no structure. The Outlaws lost their opening game against the California Redwoods 15–12. From one-point shots, the team shot 24%, with only 53% of their shots even hitting the cage. You can’t score goals if you’re not hitting the cage at a consistent rate. What also stood out was the fact that the Denver Outlaws only had 215 touches compared to the Redwoods’ 304. That might not seem like a big discrepancy, but it certainly tells a story. The Outlaws showed that they look to attack one-on-ones, and if they did not win them outright, instead of moving the ball forward, they would take a low-level shot with a 50% chance of hitting the cage. This is not a recipe for winning lacrosse—especially at the PLL level. Wisnauskas threw together an excellent night, though, with four points coming off three goals and one assist on 75% shooting. O’Neill, on the other hand, had a solid four-point performance, but only scoring two goals on 22% shooting will really hurt the team long term—especially considering he was second on the team in touches at 29. Kavanagh didn’t help much either, with two goals coming off seven shots for just 28%.

Week Two saw Bernhardt’s debut, which had many fans excited to tune in. However, the Outlaws still lost 12–9 against a solid Carolina defense. Despite playing against an elite unit, shooting 16% is blatantly unacceptable—especially considering the fact that the team had four more minutes of possession time than the Chaos. Pair this with the fact that they also won the faceoff battle at 58% and improved their touches per game to 271, only scoring nine goals on 16% shooting underlines the real issue with this team. Too many players have the green light to go, go, go—with no clear structure on what to do after. Looking at our four Tewaaraton winners and their numbers highlights this even more. O’Neill had a nice hat trick, but it came off 10 shots, totaling just 30% shooting. That was the best performance of the weekend, considering Kavanagh shot 1-for-7 at 14% and Wisnauskas had no points on just two shots. Bernhardt gets a pass, as it was his professional debut and he put up 0 points—but the fact that he took five shots in his debut also highlights that he probably had a little too much of a green light with a PLL stick in his hand for the first time.

Players should play with confidence—especially when you arguably have four of the best players in the world. However, the other side of the ball—the defense—also gets paid to play lacrosse. Banking solely on winning one-on-ones and settling for low-quality shots will never be a formula for success. You can have the most talented players in the world, but a lack of direction and too much wiggle room on what is acceptable and what isn’t makes it difficult to play as a team. At the end of the day, this is a team game, and a disconnected offense will never take down an organized defense. The offense certainly has time to figure itself out, but the issue is the PLL season is relatively short compared to most professional sports. Having two catastrophically bad losses to start the year definitely hurts morale and makes it difficult to claw your way into a playoff spot. Don’t get me wrong—the Outlaws’ offense isn’t solely to blame here, as the goalie situation also has to be addressed. McElroy can’t throw together a 42% game against the Redwoods followed by a 36% dud against the Chaos.

There is too much talent on this team to not be competing for a PLL championship. Like everything though, it comes from the top down and how the team is structured. They have way too much of a green light to settle for mediocre dodges and low-quality shots without any sort of consequence. We’ll see how the team looks to improve its numbers in the coming weeks, but the current sample size does not leave much hope for the Outlaws’ ability to consistently put the ball in the back of the net.

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The Boston Cannons entered the 2024 season without much noise, and for the most part, they didn’t need it. They simply handled business. While other teams stole headlines, the Cannons put together a quiet 7-3 campaign and earned the three seed going into the playoffs. Statistically, they weren’t blowing anyone away. The offense sat middle of the pack in most categories. Faceoffs were a clear weakness. But what anchored them was one of the stingiest defenses in the league. They kept games low-scoring, relied on structure, and stayed true to their identity.

That approach held up all season long—until it didn’t. In one of the more surprising outcomes of the playoffs, the Cannons were bounced in the quarterfinals by a Chaos team that hadn’t looked dangerous for most of the year. They only managed four goals. The defense did its job, again, but the offense completely collapsed. It was a tough way to end what had been a solid season, and it forced the front office into some difficult decisions this offseason.

Steady Defense and Stagnant Offense

There’s no question this team leans on its defense. They ranked second in scores against average last year at 11.5, and that unit should continue to be the foundation in 2025. Garrett Epple is still one of the toughest covers in the league, finishing with 20 caused turnovers and 20 ground balls. Ethan Rall complements him well, especially in transition. And the team quietly made a strong move by trading for Owen Grant, who fits the mold of what this group wants to be—gritty, disciplined, and physical.

In the cage, Colin Kirst turned in a respectable year, finishing with a 53.9 percent save rate. He might not be in the elite tier just yet, but he’s close. And if he can take another step, the defense could be even scarier than it was a year ago.

Offensively, it’s hard to know what to expect. Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman continue to be one of the league’s best attack pairings. Nolting had 39 points last year, while Holman added 32 of his own. That’s production you can trust, and their chemistry has become a real strength. But after that, it gets murky. Matt Campbell and Ryan Drenner are solid midfield pieces, and Connor Kirst gives you an edge, but there’s still a feeling that something is missing. This unit can move the ball and generate chances, but when they needed firepower in the playoffs, they came up empty.

Offseason Moves Focused on Filling Gaps

The Boston Cannons didn’t overhaul the roster this offseason, and that’s both a good and bad thing. They addressed some needs but didn’t go out and make the kind of splash that shakes up the top tier of the league. The draft brought in Coulter Mackesy with the fourth overall pick, and while he might not start right away, he’ll get chances. His minutes will be limited early, but if he finds confidence, he could carve out a real role and give this offense a much-needed boost. Mic Kelly and Ben Ramsey add depth, and Ramsey in particular could be a nice under-the-radar pickup as a tough SSDM.

The team also added John Geppert from the Atlas and made the aforementioned trade for Owen Grant, which helps shore up depth after the retirement of Cade van Raaphorst. Those are smart, culture-fit moves that align with how the Cannons want to operate defensively.

But on the other side of things, they lost some valuable offensive contributors. Pat Kavanagh and Chris Aslanian weren’t stars, but they played key roles in last year’s group, and both were moved in trades. Letting Craig Chick walk in free agency felt like the end of an era for this unit, and Mike Robinson hitting the holdout list only thins things out more.

Good, Not Great

The issue here isn’t what the Boston Cannons are. It’s what they’re not. This is a well-coached, veteran-heavy team that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes and knows exactly how to play winning lacrosse. But they didn’t close the gap on the teams above them. They didn’t add a top-tier weapon. They didn’t change the narrative.

This is still a middle-of-the-pack offense trying to win with top-tier defense. And while that formula worked during the regular season, it failed when the pressure got high. You can’t win playoff games scoring four goals. And until that changes, it’s hard to see the Cannons pushing beyond that semifinal ceiling.

Solid Foundation, Same Ceiling

The Boston Cannons are going to be in the mix. That much feels certain. Their defensive identity is too strong to fall apart, and the attack of Nolting and Holman will always give them a chance. But unless someone unexpected breaks out, this team might just be stuck where they’ve been. Good enough to be dangerous. Not quite dangerous enough to win it all.

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At some point, you stop questioning how and just start accepting what is. The Utah Archers are the PLL’s gold standard. Back-to-back titles and a roster that continues to reload instead of rebuild—it’s clear that Coach Chris Bates has built something different. A 6-4 regular season record might’ve made it easy to look past them for a while last year, but as usual, they were right where they needed to be when it mattered most. The Archers beat the Whipsnakes 12-8 in the PLL Championship and left no doubt that 2023 was no fluke.

What separates this group is how complete they are. Third in offense, third in defense, second in goaltending, fourth in faceoffs, and top two in man-up efficiency. That balance doesn’t happen by accident. This is the result of years of smart roster construction, sharp drafting, and a system where every player fits. You don’t just fall into a dynasty. You build it. And right now, the Utah Archers are showing no signs of slowing down.

Fields, O’Keefe, Moore—and Then Some

There may not be a more selfless attack unit in the league than what the Archers run out each weekend. Connor Fields, Mac O’Keefe, and Matt Moore don’t just work together—they thrive off each other. Fields led the team with 32 points, O’Keefe added 24, and Moore chipped in another 10 while playing within the offense. These aren’t players chasing highlights. They make the right play every time. It’s clinical. It’s disciplined. And it’s lethal.

From the midfield, Grant Ament and Tom Schreiber bring an entirely different set of problems for defenses. Ament put up 28 points last season. Schreiber, even while battling injury, added 27. Both can initiate from anywhere, and when they’re dodging on shorties out of the box, it’s a nightmare to cover. Schreiber’s health is something to monitor, but if he’s anywhere close to full speed, there’s not a midfield in the league that can match up clean.

Defense Wins Championships—And Titles Too

The Utah Archers defense doesn’t just stop you. It smothers you. With Brett Dobson in net—coming off a 57.2% save percentage season—this group gives very few second chances. He has legitimate MVP potential and might already be the best goalie in the world. The unit in front of him just makes his job easier.

Graeme Hossack remains the anchor. He sets the tone. He wins matchups. He doesn’t need flash because he wins the hard way—consistently. Mason Woodward was a first-round pick and looked like one from the start. Jon Robbins continues to be one of the most effective LSMs in the league, and the Archers just added Brendan Lavelle and Mitchell Dunham through the draft to keep the depth strong.

What Coach Bates has done defensively is create a system where the poles play fast but never reckless. They recover well. They rotate as one. And they’re never afraid to push in transition. That identity is locked in.

Sisselberger Gives Them the Edge

Possession wins in this league. And when you’ve got Michael Sisselberger winning 58.4 percent of your faceoffs, you’re going to have the ball enough to wear teams down. He brings physicality to the stripe and lets the Archers play make-it-take-it lacrosse. It’s one of the reasons their offense feels inevitable when it gets rolling.

Man-up conversions sit at 43.5 percent—second in the PLL—and that’s a direct result of having the ball, playing patiently, and forcing defenses into mistakes. If there’s a blemish here, it’s man-down, where they finished dead last. At just 44.4 percent, it’s the one spot that could swing a tight playoff game. But when your roster looks like this, you’re rarely in positions where special teams decide outcomes.

Built to Win, Again

The offseason told the full story of how strong this organization is. The Archers lost five players—Aughavin, Williams, DiBenedetto, Morrill, and Van Overbeke—all of whom were good enough to find homes elsewhere and contribute right away. That’s not a sign of weakness. That’s a sign of surplus. There simply wasn’t room to keep everyone.

What Coach Bates continues to do is draft for system fit. Lavelle is another athletic, high-IQ defender. Sam King at 3.2 is the steal of the draft—an Ivy League scorer landing in one of the most efficient offenses in the PLL. Bryce Ford adds midfield depth. And there was no need to chase free agents or trades. This team knows who it is.

The Utah Archers aren’t talking about a title this year. They’re talking about a third. They expect to win, and nothing short of that will satisfy a group that’s spent years building toward sustained greatness. The biggest threat to the Archers this year is themselves. If they stick to the system, trust the roster, and stay healthy, everyone else is playing catch-up.

The dynasty isn’t just alive—it’s growing.

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The 2024 Maryland Whipsnakes were one of the most fascinating teams in the league. For most of the regular season, they flew under the radar. The wins weren’t dominant, the metrics didn’t scream contender, and there wasn’t much flash coming out of that locker room. But by the time the playoffs hit, they were one of the most dangerous teams in the league. A fourth seed with nothing to lose, they knocked off the top-seeded Atlas in overtime and found themselves in the title game. They fell short in the final, but the message was clear—this team isn’t going anywhere.

A lot of credit goes to Jim Stagnitta, who continues to prove why he’s one of the best in the business. He kept his team focused, made all the right adjustments, and got the offense to peak at the perfect time. That postseason run felt like a team hitting its stride—not just getting hot. And now heading into 2025, the Whipsnakes seem to have embraced that version of themselves, doubling down on a few key strengths and making some necessary upgrades across the board.

Building Around Malone

The biggest storyline for this group is TJ Malone. Coming off a standout rookie year where he racked up 37 points and made weekly appearances on the highlight reel, Malone is the kind of piece you build around. His energy, creativity, and scoring ability gave the Whips a new dimension, and now with a full offseason under his belt, expectations are sky-high.

The attack unit around him looks strong. Matt Rambo returns, bringing experience and toughness. Rob Pannell joins the mix in one of the more interesting fits of the offseason. The veteran arrives from the Redwoods, and while his game has evolved with age, he still has enough in the tank to contribute. With Malone and Rambo creating chaos, Pannell may have the freedom to find soft spots and play a more relaxed brand of lacrosse that fits him well.

Matt Brandau is another piece that could quietly make a big difference. Things never fully clicked for him with the Waterdogs, but the talent is real, and the Maryland Whipsnakes seem like a better fit for his dodging-heavy style. Aidan Carroll, taken in the first round of the draft, will be one to watch. His ceiling is still unknown, but if he can earn minutes early, he may end up being a bigger factor than most expect.

Questions in the Midfield

This is where the team still feels like it’s searching for an identity. The midfield production in 2024 was by committee, with Poitras, Chanenchuk, and Levi Anderson all posting 13 points. That’s solid, but not explosive. The good news is that the Whips aren’t necessarily built around their midfield needing to carry the load. If Brandau or Carroll emerges as a second-line threat, it could help balance things out, but for now, this group will need to be consistent and efficient, not flashy.

Defense Must Level Up

Defensively, the numbers weren’t where they needed to be. Finishing seventh in scores against average at 12.4 per game doesn’t cut it for a team trying to win a championship. But watching this group, it never felt like a lack of effort or ability—it just felt like things didn’t quite click for stretches of the season.

Ajax Zappitello and Matt Dunn are still two of the best when they’re on, and Colin Squires continues to be a presence on the wing with 39 ground balls last season. The issue wasn’t individuals. It was cohesion. The unit needs to play better as a group, trust their slides, and make things easier on the goalie. That brings us to one of the bigger questions for this year—who steps up in net?

With Kyle Bernlohr retiring, the Maryland Whipsnakes need someone to claim the crease. Whether it’s a veteran or someone emerging from the draft, that position could determine the ceiling of this team. If the defense can force lower-angle looks and give their starter shots he wants to see, this becomes a different group entirely.

The Nardella Advantage

Joe Nardella was an absolute machine at the stripe last year, winning a staggering 67.5 percent of his draws. It’s the type of edge most teams dream of having. With Nardella giving them consistent possessions and Malone leading the offense, the Whipsnakes found their identity down the stretch. That formula doesn’t need to change. It just needs to stay sharp.

Smart Moves, Strong Core

The Maryland Whipsnakes didn’t just “run it back” this offseason. They made targeted moves that fit their style and filled real needs. Trading Zed Williams was a risk, but one that felt more calculated than reactive. Bringing in Pannell and Brandau, shoring up depth with a few defensive additions, and taking a swing on a guy like Carroll—all of it points toward a team that knows exactly what it’s trying to be.

This team isn’t just hoping to recreate last year’s playoff run. They’re aiming to build on it. The question will be how quickly they can tighten up the defense, find their goalie, and keep their offense humming. If those pieces come together, they’re not just contenders. They’re right back in the final.

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The Denver Outlaws were never supposed to figure it out in one season. After rebranding from the Chrome, this group was always going to need time to find its identity. But what made 2024 feel like progress wasn’t the 5-5 record or the middle-of-the-pack statistics. It was the shift in tone. A team that started slow ended the year with a one-goal playoff loss to a championship-caliber Whipsnakes team. That 11-10 defeat didn’t feel like a letdown. It felt like a sign they’re getting closer.

The moment it all started to turn was the win over the Archers. That was the Brennan O’Neill game. The legacy game. He showed exactly why he went first overall and why the Outlaws believed he could become the face of the franchise. He didn’t just score—he controlled the game. He gave this offense something it hadn’t had before. And now, heading into his second season, it’s his team.

O’Neill’s Team Now

Brennan O’Neill has all the makings of a breakout pro. He’s already one of the most physically dominant players in the league, and as he continues to adjust to the speed of the PLL, there’s no reason to believe he won’t take another leap this year. He finished 2024 with 29 points and looked more comfortable with each game. If he levels up again, he’ll be in the conversation with the very best in the world.

Around him, the midfield provides a solid supporting cast. Graham Bundy put up 23 points, while Justin Anderson and Sam Handley contributed 19 and 16 respectively. Bundy’s season flew under the radar a bit, but it was a major step forward. If he can replicate that output while playing alongside O’Neill and the newly acquired Pat Kavanagh, this offense could become a real problem.

The Kavanagh trade was an important one. The Denver Outlaws needed another weapon, someone who could bring consistency and help balance the offensive load. Kavanagh fits that mold. His dodging, vision, and work rate make him a natural complement to O’Neill, and he gives Denver a second option when defenses key in on their star.

Upgrades in Key Areas

There were some puzzling moves this offseason. Trading away both Brendan Nichtern and Josh Zawada felt premature. Both were young, talented players who probably deserved another year in the system. Still, the team didn’t sit idle. They filled needs, and they did it aggressively.

Logan McNaney comes in as the new starting goalie, and for a team that finished seventh in save percentage last year, that could be the most important addition of the entire offseason. McNaney made four national championship appearances at Maryland. He’s experienced, composed, and has played in the biggest moments college lacrosse can offer. If he adjusts quickly, he could become one of the better goalies in the PLL almost immediately.

The rest of the draft focused on defense. Pace Billings and Kevin Parnham give them more depth at close defense, while Jack Gray and Zach Geddes help strengthen the SSDM unit. Jack VanOverbeke, added via free agency, could give them some versatility offensively, especially in a system that should allow him to play a little more freely than he did with the Archers.

Defense Still Finding Its Form

Statistically, the defense was solid last year—fourth in scores against at 12.1—but there’s room to grow. That growth starts with JT Giles-Harris, who might be one of the most underappreciated poles in the league simply because of where he plays. His tape is excellent. He’s physical, poised, and rarely gets beat. If the Denver Outlaws can build around his presence and continue developing chemistry with guys like Jesse Bernhardt and Jake Piseno, this could quietly become one of the stronger units in the league.

Piseno finished with 30 ground balls and brings energy and athleticism at the LSM spot. He fits the mold of the kind of player the Outlaws want to build around—tough, disruptive, and reliable in transition.

Time to Build on the Foundation

There’s something interesting about this Outlaws team. The numbers don’t scream contender. The roster is still young. But the signs of growth are undeniable. O’Neill is developing into a star. The defense is stabilizing. The team added a proven goalie and brought in a high-IQ offensive piece in Kavanagh. The ceiling might not be a title run just yet, but they’ve done enough to put themselves in the playoff conversation.

This season is going to be about consistency. The Denver Outlaws don’t need to beat everyone. They just need to show up every week, compete for four quarters, and continue to gel as a unit. There’s enough talent here to sneak up on people. If the chemistry comes together and the new pieces settle in, Denver could become one of the more frustrating teams to play against in the PLL.

They’re not quite there yet—but they’re getting close.

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There’s no sugarcoating it—the California Redwoods hit rock bottom in 2024. A 3-7 record paired with the league’s worst defense and second-worst offense tells you just about everything you need to know. The team lacked identity, lacked urgency, and at times, just looked flat out overmatched. A 13.6 goals against average and a brutal 23.3 percent shooting clip made every game a grind. Add in last-place finishes on man-up and goaltending, and you’re looking at a team that needed to hit the reset button.

To their credit, they did. It wasn’t a half-measured retool. It was a full-blown overhaul. New coach. New players. New expectations—or maybe more accurately, a lack of expectations. The Redwoods don’t have the pressure of being a top-tier team this summer. They have the freedom to build, to experiment, and to try and lay the foundation for something new. Whether or not it clicks right away is another story.

Offense: Talent In, Pressure On

The California Redwoods made it clear this offseason that their offensive struggles wouldn’t carry into 2025 without a fight. They loaded up through the draft, selecting Andrew McAdorey and Sam English back-to-back early in the first round, followed by Chris Kavanagh in the second. That’s three high-level playmakers being added to a unit that desperately needed new energy. McAdorey and English will be given major responsibilities right away, and Kavanagh has the tools to be a spark if given space to operate.

Griffin Schutz is also an intriguing name, and while he enters the year on the holdout list, he has the upside to carve out a role when available. Dylan Molloy joins via free agency and will be an instant starter. The California Redwoods need a physical dodger, and Molloy gives them that. Nichtern, acquired from the Outlaws, could be the X-factor. He hasn’t played consistently since his rookie year, but if he’s healthy and back to form, he completely changes the dynamic of this offense.

It’s not just about who they brought in, though. The guys returning have to step up. Ryder Garnsey finished with 26 points last year but still disappears in stretches. That can’t happen anymore. He’s one of the few vets left with high-end talent, and this team needs him to be sharp every week. Charlie Bertrand and Romar Dennis are both solid midfielders who have shown flashes, but now they’ll need to be consistent options—not secondary pieces.

Back End Needs to Prove It

The defense was a mess in 2024, plain and simple. No other team gave up more goals, and the effort level often didn’t match the moment. It wasn’t just missed assignments—it was a lack of cohesion. Goaltending didn’t help either, as the Woods finished last in save percentage. With Sean Sconone gone and fresh faces coming in, the team is hoping Matt Knote can stabilize things. The former Outlaw has plenty of potential and steps into a starting role with little competition.

The poles in front of him will need to be better. Arden Cohen has been solid but not elite. Jared Conners continues to be a bright spot at LSM, with 33 ground balls and his usual active presence between the arcs. But this group didn’t do enough last year to dictate tempo or tilt the field. The hope is that better goalie play will simplify their jobs and help them get back to doing what they do best—pushing transition and creating chaos.

A Roster Overhaul That Needed to Happen

There were some losses this offseason that hurt. Ryan Tierney and Chris Gray both retiring takes away high-upside talent that never quite got to develop the way fans hoped. Letting Owen Grant walk in a trade to the Cannons and moving on from Garrett Degnon were also decisions that raised eyebrows. But to be fair, this wasn’t a team that could afford to keep patching holes. The front office clearly decided to clear the slate and bet on young talent and culture change over continuity.

It’s not without risk. You’re asking a lot from a rookie class. You’re relying on a handful of new faces to form chemistry with minimal time. You’re banking on a goalie who hasn’t played in the league. But when you finish dead last in multiple categories, there’s not much to lose.

Everything to Prove, Nothing to Lose

That might be the most freeing part of this year for the California Redwoods. No one is picking them to win a title. No one’s expecting a playoff run. But that doesn’t mean this season doesn’t matter. This year is about growth. It’s about laying the groundwork for who this team wants to be. The floor is low. The ceiling might not be much higher. But if McAdorey hits, if Nichtern plays, if Knote settles in, this could quietly become a much better team than people expect.

We’re going to find out quickly if this group is for real. But for the first time in a while, it finally feels like the Redwoods are ready to move forward.

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It’s not an exaggeration to say 2025 marks a completely new chapter for the Carolina Chaos. Last season ended in brutal fashion—a 10-1 loss to the Archers that wasn’t just disappointing, it was deflating. That performance exposed everything wrong with the Chaos offense and forced the franchise into some hard decisions. And hard decisions were made. Andy Towers is gone. Josh Byrne and Dhane Smith are gone. What’s left is a team that still plays elite defense, still has the best goalie in the world, but now enters this season with more questions than answers.

There’s always been something gritty and chaotic—no pun intended—about this club’s identity. They’ve never been afraid to scrape their way through a regular season just to make noise in the playoffs. But last year’s 4-6 record felt different. The team didn’t just fall short. It looked broken at times. A single goal in a semifinal is a cry for help offensively, and the front office seems to have heard it loud and clear.

Offense: Total Overhaul

There’s no sugarcoating it—the Carolina Chaos had the worst offense in the PLL last year. Just 100 scores on 25.2 percent shooting. The ball didn’t move well, spacing was off, and there was no consistent threat that teams feared. Losing Dhane Smith before the season was a major blow, and as the year wore on, it became clear just how much his absence hurt. Josh Byrne was never able to fully take over in his place, and now he’s on the holdout list. Simply put, there was no alpha.

So this offseason became about starting over. Owen Hiltz, taken eighth overall in the draft, will be asked to contribute immediately. He won’t have the luxury of easing in. He’ll need to step up from day one if the Chaos want to get anything going offensively. But he won’t be alone. Jackson Morrill brings a veteran presence and might finally have found the right system to thrive in. Josh Zawada, brought over in a trade from the Outlaws, is the wildcard here—there’s a lot to like about his game, and if he’s given the green light, he could quietly become this team’s breakout piece.

Chris Aslanian and Garrett Degnon were also added to the midfield mix, and while neither is expected to be a gamebreaker, they bring depth and fresh legs. It’s a completely retooled offensive unit. That doesn’t mean it’ll be better right away, but it at least gives the Carolina Chaos something they didn’t have last year: options.

Still Elite on the Back End

The strength of this team hasn’t changed. Blaze Riorden remains the most dominant goalie in the league, and that’s not a debate. He posted a 59.4 percent save percentage last year and routinely stole games the Chaos had no business being in. He’ll have to do that again this year—and probably more often than is fair.

In front of him, the poles are as steady as ever. Jack Rowlett and Jared Neumann bring the toughness and IQ you need in a defense-first team, and Troy Reh continues to do his job at LSM. Even with Will Bowen’s retirement and Craig Chick sitting on the holdout list, this group knows how to defend. They were the top scoring defense in the PLL last season, allowing just 11.0 scores per game, and they’ll need to replicate that level if they want to stay competitive.

Major Culture Shift

Letting go of Andy Towers was a massive shift, and while opinions will vary on the move, it does signify something important—the Chaos are moving forward. That might come with pain. It might come with a couple rough seasons. But after losing the league’s most recognizable coach and two of its most dangerous offensive weapons, there’s no other choice but to redefine who this team is.

That process won’t happen overnight. Expectations are low for a reason. No one is picking this team to make a championship run. Frankly, getting to .500 would be an impressive step forward. What’s more important than wins and losses this year is direction. Does this team show signs of life? Does the offense figure out its identity? Is this group capable of building something new?

What Chaos Fans Should Hope For

At this point, Carolina Chaos fans aren’t asking for perfection. They’re just asking for progress. The offense doesn’t need to be elite right away. It just needs to function. The defense doesn’t need to carry every single week. It just needs to hold the line until help arrives. If Hiltz can break out, if Zawada makes a leap, and if Riorden keeps doing what he always does, the Chaos could surprise people.

But even if they don’t, there has to be something here that points to the future. A system. An identity. A reason to believe. Because right now, that’s what this organization needs more than anything.

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When you look back at the Philadelphia Waterdogs’ 2024 season, the most honest reaction is confusion. This team wasn’t supposed to go 2-8. This team wasn’t supposed to miss the playoffs. And yet, week after week, they found themselves in close games that always seemed to slip away. It wasn’t like they were getting blown out or clearly outclassed—they just never found their rhythm. And for a roster that looked championship-ready on paper, that kind of collapse is still hard to wrap your head around.

There were flashes of what they could be. Defensively, they weren’t bad at all, finishing fifth in scores against average at 12.3 per game. Man-down defense was second in the league at 73.7 percent. But none of that really mattered when the offense just couldn’t keep pace. They finished sixth in scoring and had the second-worst shooting percentage in the league at 24.0. That’s a recipe for tight losses, and it’s exactly what defined their year.

Faceoffs and Frustration

The glaring issue all season long was faceoffs. It was a known weakness heading into the year, and it remained a problem from start to finish. At just 31.8 percent, the Philadelphia Waterdogs were dead last in the PLL at the stripe. They’ve overcome that in the past, but this time around, it felt like too much ground to make up. When you don’t have consistent possessions and your offense is already struggling to convert, you end up playing from behind more often than not.

And yet, there’s still a weird optimism about this group. Because for as bad as the record was, the bones of a great team are still here. The attack is loaded. The defense is experienced. Dillon Ward may have had a down year, but no one’s questioning his ability to bounce back. And now they’re adding serious firepower.

The CJ Kirst Effect

The number one overall pick might be exactly what this team needed. CJ Kirst doesn’t need much of an introduction coming off a national title and one of the most dominant college careers in recent memory. He’s physical, aggressive, and brings a different kind of edge to this offense. If he’s healthy and used the right way, he has the tools to put together one of the best rookie seasons we’ve ever seen in the PLL. That’s not hyperbole. That’s what’s on the table.

Alongside Kirst, the Philadelphia Waterdogs added Jake Taylor, another proven scorer who adds depth to a group that lacked it last season. Ben Wayer might be one of the sneakiest picks of the draft. He fits their style, brings energy, and gives them more versatility defensively. DiBenedetto didn’t see consistent time with the Archers, but there’s real potential for him to carve out a role here. And then there’s the trade for Zed Williams—a high-upside move that could swing either way. His fit will be one of the biggest questions early on, but the talent is there.

Still Loaded with Talent

What makes the Waterdogs so hard to predict is that their roster hasn’t changed all that much—and that’s not a bad thing. Michael Sowers still has the potential to be the best player in the league on any given night. Kieran McArdle continues to be one of the most underappreciated pros in the game, and even at 33, his production hasn’t slowed down. Pairing those two with Kirst has the potential to be lethal if they can develop chemistry quickly.

At midfield, the combo of Zach Currier, Connor Kelly, and Jack Hannah is about as well-rounded as you’ll find. They can dodge, shoot, and handle in transition. Defensively, Ben Randall and Eli Gobrecht anchor a unit that’s already proven it can hang with top-tier attacks. Randall finished with 17 caused turnovers and 27 ground balls last year, and that kind of consistency is what gives this team a shot to win games even when the offense takes time to get going.

Ward is still the guy in net, and even though he ended the year with a 51.6 percent save percentage, there’s little doubt he can return to form. If he finds his groove early, that changes the equation for everything else.

A Team With Something to Prove

There’s no question this team underachieved last year. After locking in their core and essentially deciding to “run it back,” 2-8 was never supposed to happen. But now they’ve added elite young talent, brought in new offensive weapons, and still have a core group of veterans who know what it takes to win in this league.

There are concerns. Faceoffs still haven’t been solved. The offense has to be significantly more efficient. And there’s the mental hurdle of coming off a year that was, by all accounts, a disappointment. But there’s also a ton of upside. If Kirst clicks, if Ward bounces back, if the top-end talent plays like they’re capable of, the Philadelphia Waterdogs are more than just a bounce-back team. They’re a contender.

Call them a wildcard. Call them a question mark. But don’t call them out of it. Not yet.

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Last year was supposed to be the year. The New York Atlas entered 2024 with sky-high expectations and a roster built to win immediately. The offense was stacked, the faceoff game was elite, and on paper, there weren’t many weak spots. Everything lined up for a title run. And for the majority of the regular season, they looked like exactly who we thought they were. A 7-3 finish earned them the top seed heading into the postseason and solidified what many already believed—that the Atlas were the most dangerous team in the league.

But when the playoffs hit, the story changed. They ran into a streaking Whipsnakes team in the semifinal, and despite holding the lead late, they watched it slip away in overtime. A 12-11 loss ended a season that felt like it had more to give. And for a group with this much firepower, that kind of ending just doesn’t sit well.

The League’s Most Dangerous Offense

Offensively, there wasn’t a defense in the PLL that found consistent answers. The Atlas led the league in both total scores (151) and shooting percentage (32.8), and it wasn’t just the volume—it was how efficient and unselfish they were across the board. Jeff Teat was at the center of everything, and it’s hard to argue that anyone had a better year. He finished with 64 points and routinely made it look effortless. The scary part is that he’s not even close to his ceiling.

Teat was flanked by a lethal Virginia duo in Xander Dickson and Connor Shellenberger, who combined for 56 points and gave the offense a rhythm that was tough to disrupt. The midfield contributed with balance and depth, as Bryan Costabile and Myles Jones kept defenses honest, and now the group is even deeper heading into 2025. The Atlas added Matt Traynor in the first round, a Penn State product with the potential to be this year’s TJ Malone-type contributor. It may take time to find his exact fit in this offense, but the talent is there.

Veteran additions like Cole Williams and Kyle Jackson only bolster the midfield group, giving the New York Atlas even more ways to create mismatches and adjust to game flow. Both come from systems where they proved their value and understand how to complement stars without needing the ball every possession.

Holding Their Own on the Defensive End

While the offense carried the spotlight, the defense quietly did its job—most of the time. Ranked seventh in scores against average at 12.4 per game, it wasn’t the weak link, but it wasn’t a strength either. The unit features young talent with plenty of upside, and the growth of guys like Gavin Adler and Brett Makar will be key to taking the next step. Michael Rexrode continues to be a steady veteran presence, and Tyler Carpenter at LSM is one of the most reliable ground ball guys in the league, scooping up 41 last season.

In net, Liam Entenmann was everything the Atlas needed him to be and then some. He finished third in save percentage at 58.7 and looked like a goalie ready to take that leap into the conversation with Blaze Riorden, Dillon Ward, and Brett Dobson. If Entenmann continues on this trajectory, the entire complexion of the defense changes, especially in tight games where stops matter more than stats.

No Issues at the Stripe

Trevor Baptiste remains an unfair advantage. He won 66.2 percent of his draws and gave the New York Atlas consistent possession that most teams just don’t have access to. With a win rate that high, it’s no surprise the offense was able to stay in rhythm and wear teams down over the course of a game. There’s no question about who controls tempo when Baptiste is on the field.

Reloaded, Not Rebuilt

Despite falling short last year, the Atlas didn’t panic this offseason. They didn’t need to. The only real loss was Dox Aitken, who landed on the holdout list after a strong season. His absence will be felt, but Coach Pressler has already addressed the gap with a mix of draft talent and proven vets. John Geppert and Dylan Molloy moved on in free agency, but neither departure shakes the core of this team.

The additions of Cj Costabile, Mike Grace, and other physical presences on the defensive end give the New York Atlas more tools, especially in transition and special teams. That flexibility matters in playoff settings where matchups and momentum can swing fast.

Championship or Bust

There’s no way around it—this team is built to win now. With the league’s best offense, top-tier faceoffs, strong goalie play, and a maturing defense, there’s nothing on paper holding them back. But that was also true last season, and they came up short. This year, there’s no excuse. The pressure is real. The window is wide open. And the roster is too good to be sent home early again.

The pieces are in place. Now it’s just about finishing the job.

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Expectations have been high for the Syracuse Orange ever since Gary Gait took over. The team has made steady improvements year over year, while still not really getting over the hump. It is safe to say that the team is finally playing up to their own expectations in 2025—especially considering they have broken through and are now competing for a national championship. Could the moment be too big for this potentially inexperienced squad? There is a chance. However, before we can predict the future, let’s get a better understanding of how exactly the Syracuse lacrosse program finally made it back to the semifinals.

As it stands right now heading into Championship Weekend, the Syracuse Orange have a 13–5 record and are eager to be competing for a national championship appearance. The Orange had a solid regular season but definitely came up short in a majority of their big games. The biggest win of the regular season came against Notre Dame, and I would argue their Colgate win was well deserved given how that team finished. However, a majority of their ranked games ended in losses—specifically against Maryland, Harvard, Cornell, Duke, and North Carolina. Syracuse ended the regular season on a three-game losing streak, which is certainly not how you want to enter the postseason.

That seemingly did not matter, as the Syracuse Orange entered the ACC semifinals ready to win some hardware. They put together a near-perfect game against Notre Dame to secure their spot in the ACC Championship game. They would then have to go against a Duke Blue Devil team that truly turned their season around down the stretch. This was a battle from start to finish and certainly one of the more entertaining lacrosse games of the season, with a perfect balance of offense and defense. Syracuse was able to come out on top 9–8, marking the first real milestone in the Gary Gait era.

The NCAA Tournament has been only nail-biters for the Syracuse lacrosse program. They kicked things off with their first-round matchup against Harvard, which on paper was always going to be the most exciting matchup coming out of the first round. Harvard had the talent and potential to make it all the way to Championship Weekend, so this one was always going to be a battle. The Orange were able to crawl their way back into the game late, playing make-it-take-it lacrosse to force the Crimson into overtime, where Syracuse inevitably came out on top 13–12. Their quarterfinal matchup would be no different, as Princeton was next in line. The Tigers and Orange forgot their defenses at home as both offenses were seemingly scoring at will. Princeton had most of the momentum for a majority of the game, until Syracuse turned it up a gear down the stretch, walking away with the 19–18 victory and a Championship Weekend appearance.

The Syracuse Orange this season have been solid in just about every statistical category. Most notable is certainly their offense, scoring an average of 13.8 goals per game, which ranks them 6th in the country. Their defense has done a respectable job, only allowing 10 goals per game, slotting them at the 25th mark. This puts them at a margin of +3.72, which is 7th in the country. One major factor that has helped them win games down the stretch is their elite face-off play. Facing off at 60% ranks them 7th in the country and will certainly play a major factor in late May. However, while clearing at 86% puts them at 31st in the country, that has the potential to be an issue. I wouldn’t worry about it too much though, as Maryland’s ride typically lets teams get set up pretty consistently.

The man of the hour is Joey Spallina. Averaging 4.94 points per game ranks him 7th in the country, made up of 89 points—35 goals and 54 assists. Spallina has done an excellent job quieting the haters over the past few weeks, but it will be interesting to see how he handles the bright lights of Memorial Day Weekend. I guarantee you that the Terrapins are going to have a solid game plan on how to neutralize him. It will be nice to have Owen Hiltz step up in these moments, however, as Hiltz is averaging 4.0 PPG on 45 goals and 27 assists. The Syracuse offense is extremely selfless and will have no problem spreading the rock to find open looks when they arise.

It is going to be interesting to see which Syracuse team we get on Saturday. They have had flashes of being the best team in the country, but a lack of consistency has hurt them all year. Gary Gait has certainly coached teams in big moments, but this is definitely the biggest moment for the Syracuse men’s lacrosse program in quite some time. Will these expectations be too high for the Orange to accomplish? Or is it the exact motivation they need to get over the hump? We shall see as they face off against the Maryland Terrapins for a trip to the national championship.

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There is no such thing as a down year if you are a Maryland Terrapin. Coming into this season, many fans would agree that Maryland was not one of the clear front-runners to make it to Championship Weekend or even win the Big Ten. Something John Tillman has taught us over the years, though, is that you can never count his teams out. Time and time again, the Maryland Terrapins always seemingly exceed expectations despite what many of the fans and analysts have to say going into the season. Let’s look back at the Maryland Lacrosse 2025 season to understand how exactly they are back at Championship Weekend once again.

Maryland’s regular season was certainly interesting to say the least, due to the number of highs followed by extreme lows. Looking at the resume and schedule, it’s insane how many impressive victories the Terrapins were able to pull off this season. There is no other team in the country that can confidently say they have more ranked wins than the Terrapins, taking down Richmond, Syracuse, Princeton, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State. Every regular season big game Maryland showed up for, they were able to handle business. However, it seems like the Terrapins may have overlooked some of the games that were deemed less important than their highly ranked matchups. A shocking loss to Michigan in overtime definitely hurt morale, but an even more stunning loss to Rutgers took away their hopes of a Big Ten regular season title.

Entering the Big Ten Tournament, Maryland was able to get by Penn State yet again by a score of 10–8. All season long, Maryland has had no problem slowing down the game, working for the highest quality shots, and banking on their stout defense. I’m sure the Terrapins were eager to go up against the Buckeyes once more—this time in the Big Ten Championship game. Unlike the first time around, however, Ohio State played a much better game and was able to exploit the Terrapin defense. Maryland lost that matchup 10–14, which meant they finished Big Ten play with no hardware in 2025.

Going into the NCAA Tournament, the Terrapins’ RPI really helped them out when it came to seeding. Despite not winning any share of the Big Ten this year, Maryland was still rewarded with a favorable seed, drawing Air Force in the first round. A 13–5 win was expected and carried Maryland into the quarterfinals. There, they matched up against Georgetown in a game that was a defensive bout from start to finish. Maryland controlled possession time and forced Georgetown to play their style of lacrosse in a low-scoring affair of 9–6. This would take the Maryland lacrosse program back to Championship Weekend yet again—a consistent standard within the program.

When you look at the numbers for how exactly Maryland was able to make it this far, you have to address the defense. Normally, it’s easy to talk about the offense first, but this defense is just too solid not to mention first. Allowing only 7.8 goals per game puts them at number two in the country and has led to the majority of the team’s success this year. The offense has been well below mediocre, averaging only 11 goals per game, which ranks 43rd in the country. Their scoring margin of +3.19 keeps them in the positive column, but the defense carries all of that weight. The Terrapins have no problem slowing the game down to their level, which makes sense when you’re able to clear the ball at a 91% rate. However, when it comes to face-offs, they hover around 50%, so not having an elite guy could potentially hurt them when the lights are too bright.

When you talk about their star players, it is very rare for a team’s best player to come between the pipes. Logan McNaney currently has the fourth-best save percentage in the country at 59.5%. The defense does an excellent job at giving him the shots he wants to see, but he does an incredible job at saving the ball even when he’s not supposed to. Offensively, Eric Spanos has been solid this year, but he ranks just 97th in the country in points per game at 2.8.

At the end of the day, the Terrapins have made it this far for a reason. I am fascinated to see how the offense will perform, but even more intrigued to see how this defense plans on slowing down a lethal Syracuse offense. It is tough to coach against John Tillman, as he is one of the best in the game. One thing is for certain, however—and it’s that Maryland is the most experienced program in the country when it comes to semifinal games.

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The Penn State lacrosse program has been scratching at the door of a national championship appearance for a number of years now. There is nothing in the world this team would want more than finally making it over the hump and playing on Memorial Day. The Big Ten was a gauntlet this year, and that gauntlet did not treat Penn State kindly. However, despite the unforeseen circumstances, Penn State is starting to live up to their talent, which has led them to another Championship Weekend appearance. The real question is how exactly did they get here, and do they have a chance of making it all the way? Let’s take a look at the Penn State lacrosse 2025 season to grasp how they have made it to this point.

Penn State has been a weird team all season long. With high expectations and a talented roster, the team was certainly expected to go far. However, when I sit here looking back at the regular season, they have very little to be excited about in terms of their performance. Their biggest win of the year was against Cornell in overtime, which was definitely massive—especially now, considering that Cornell is outright the best team in the country. Other than that, though, Penn State has no real wins over a quality opponent. The closest crumb I could give them was being able to handle their business against Michigan. They ended the regular season with three losses, all in their biggest games—against Princeton, Ohio State, and Maryland. Only having three losses coming out of the regular season is certainly not a bad thing, but I’m sure the team would have wanted to put up a better fight against their ranked opponents.

Heading into the Big Ten quarterfinals, Penn State struggled against a mentally defeated Johns Hopkins team. The game came down to the wire, with the Nittany Lions coming out on top 13–12. I believe this was a testament to Penn State not being as battle-ready due to the lack of strong wins this season. Then the Big Ten semifinals rolled around, and Penn State came up just short against Maryland, losing 8–10. Expectations were still high for the Nittany Lions as they were well-coached and very talented, but they left the 2025 Big Ten season with no hardware to show for it.

The Penn State lacrosse program has made the most of their NCAA tournament run so far, taking down an impressive Colgate team in a 13–11 win. The biggest test was ahead, though, as they had to go up against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who were going to leave it all on the table to make it back to Championship Weekend. Notre Dame had the advantage for about 80% of the game, coming in with experience and confidence that Penn State just didn’t have for the first three quarters. However, with some quick coaching adjustments, Penn State was able to rally and fight down the stretch. Finishing the game on an 8–0 run to secure the victory and make it back to Championship Weekend was certainly an experience that none of these young men will ever forget, and it gives the Nittany Lions a good boost of confidence going into Boston.

Statistics normally tell a story on how a team’s season is going. Penn State has been pretty consistent, hovering around the top 10 in just about every statistical category this season. Their scoring offense averages 12.5 goals per game, which places them 16th in the country. That pairs nicely with their defense, which is only allowing 9.2 goals per game, slotting them at 11th. This puts them at an average scoring margin of +3.25 per game, which is certainly respectable. The offense has had some downbeats this season, but the one main consistent is that the defense has always held strong. They certainly will be up for a test going against the number one offense in the country in the Cornell Big Red. Clearing and face-offs shouldn’t be an issue, as the team is clearing the ball at an 89.4% rate and facing off at 56%, both top 10 in the country.

When it comes to star players, Matt Traynor is the number one guy on your scouting report. Traynor has notched 59 points this season on 42 goals and 17 assists. While Penn State certainly has other talented offensive players that like to spread the rock, I’m concerned about what this offense looks like if Traynor is slowed down. Even though the Nittany Lions play a fairly selfless version of lacrosse, in games like this you need your best players to step up. He was able to do that in the quarterfinals, but now the question is—can he repeat that performance against one of the best defenses in the country?

Penn State has been knocking on the door for this opportunity for a number of years now. Their controversial loss to Duke just a few years back, which prevented them from making a national championship appearance, certainly still rings within the locker room. With the opportunity to compete for a national championship, I’m certain the Nittany Lions will leave everything on the table.

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What a year it has been so far for the Cornell lacrosse program. Coming into the season, there certainly were high expectations for what this team could accomplish in 2025. As it stands today, Cornell is heading back to Championship Weekend as clear front-runner favorites to win it all. The Big Red have excelled everywhere on the field all season long, making it difficult to root against them. Despite their dominance this year, the road to get here was not easy. Let’s take a quick moment to reflect on the Cornell season so far to help better understand how exactly they made it to Championship Weekend.

As they head to Boston for the semifinals, the Cornell Big Red currently boast a record of 16–1. Only having one loss on your resume is extremely impressive; however, the quality of their victories may take the cake. With big wins over Denver, Richmond, Princeton, Syracuse, and Harvard, Cornell has been very much battle-tested up to this point. In those five games, the Big Red are winning by an average of 5.8 goals—absolutely unheard of against quality opponents. They have handled their business everywhere else this year, except for an early season slip-up against Penn State. That overtime loss did not deter the team; if anything, it brought them closer together, as they have not lost a game since.

As the Ivy League regular season champions, the Cornell lacrosse program entered the Ivy League tournament with a ton of confidence—and rightfully so. A 21–14 win over Yale followed up by a 20–15 win over Princeton was the icing on the cake heading into the NCAA tournament. That game against Princeton was always going to be tough, as the Tigers were itching for revenge to take claim of the Ivy League over Cornell, and they had the talent to do so. At the end of the day, Cornell was just better—and that got them ready for the NCAA tournament.

The first round of the tournament was a breeze for the number one-seeded Cornell Big Red. A 15–6 dominant win over Albany didn’t mean much to the program, with their true test on the horizon. The closest regular season game they played all year was against the Richmond Spiders, and they had to square up against them again in the NCAA quarterfinals. This game came down to the absolute wire, with many believing Richmond was going to pull off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history. However, a battle-tested Cornell team was too much for the Spiders to handle, as the Big Red came out on top 13–12, which advanced them to Championship Weekend.

As the Big Red look to take on the Nittany Lions on Saturday, they have just about every advantage. Their 16 goals per game currently lead the country in scoring, and while their defense may be ranked 27th, allowing 10.3 goals per game, their scoring margin of +5.8 puts them at number two in the NCAA. If the defense has a slow day, you can almost be certain the offense is going to carry the weight. It will be an interesting matchup, considering Penn State was able to go blow-for-blow with Cornell the first time around. In games like this, it always comes down to how well a team can clear and face off. That shouldn’t be a problem for the Big Red, as they are clearing at an 89% rate and winning face-offs 58.5% of the time.

The main difference-maker for Cornell is their overall talent. CJ Kirst is almost certainly winning the Tewaaraton, averaging 6.35 points per game, which is number one in the country. The pure bucket-getter has 108 points on the year, made up of 76 goals and 32 assists. The crazier part is that if the senior is having an off day, sophomore Ryan Goldstein is able to step up consistently as well. Goldstein currently has 88 points on the year, averaging 5.18 points per game, which puts him at 4th in the country. Oh, and don’t worry—if the two of them are struggling to get anything going, they have Michael Long, who has 67 points on the year, to also help distribute the offense.

On paper, this is the year the Cornell lacrosse program has been waiting for. There is no reason they shouldn’t make a run to win the whole thing, but it is interesting considering they have to go up against Penn State yet again—their only loss from the year. Even though the Big Red have made the journey here look easy, it has been well-earned, but it will mean nothing in the long run if they don’t come out on top when it’s all said and done.

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The ACC has been consistently one of the best conferences in college lacrosse, year in and year out. The second consistency in the ACC is the unpredictability of which team will rise to the top. This year, especially, any of the four teams in the ACC lacrosse tournament could win the whole thing. And this isn’t just a hypothetical scenario where nine or ten things need to happen for a wild outcome. The reality is, any of these teams can beat the other given the right circumstances. The 2025 ACC lacrosse tournament is going to be absolute cinema, as the outcomes are truly unknown.

#1 Notre Dame vs #4 Syracuse

(Friday, May 2nd @ 5:00 PM)

Notre Dame, coming off back-to-back national championships, graduated a lot of talent. Many people wrote them off from making it back to Memorial Day weekend, especially after early-season losses against Maryland and Ohio State. Since those losses, the team is 5-1, with their only loss coming against Syracuse. The Orange currently hold a 9-5 record but split their conference play 2-2. Early-season losses against Maryland and Harvard certainly hurt the team’s morale, and a three-game losing streak to end the regular season against Cornell, Duke, and North Carolina didn’t help. Syracuse fans are probably a little worried right now, as coming off three consecutive losses into the postseason is mentally tough.

Syracuse got the best of Notre Dame just a few weeks ago in a 14-9 affair. The difference-maker was the second quarter, where Syracuse scored six unanswered goals and held Notre Dame scoreless for nearly three full quarters. Notre Dame scored their third goal of the game in the first quarter with 11 minutes remaining and wouldn’t score their fourth until the end of the third quarter, with a minute left. It was an absolutely unreal defensive run that I’m not sure can be replicated again. Syracuse shot the ball 43 times compared to Notre Dame’s 33, with both teams having around 10 saves apiece. It is alarming that Syracuse was able to win the game despite going 19-for-28 on clears. That 30-minute defensive stand from the Orange was the defining factor, despite what any of the other numbers may say.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup, these are two of the best teams in the country on paper. Both teams are nearly identical on offense, averaging close to 14 goals per game, putting them in the upper echelon of not just ACC lacrosse but Division I lacrosse as well. The defenses have been spectacular too, with Notre Dame getting the slight edge, averaging 8.5 goals per game compared to Syracuse’s 9.5. I am most looking forward to watching the face-off battle, as Notre Dame holds a 56% win percentage, while Syracuse sits at 58%. This game is going to be an absolute war, as both teams know what’s at stake and check all the boxes, showcasing very few vulnerabilities to be exploited.

Predicting the outcome of this game is truly a nightmare. These teams are so evenly matched on paper with stars across the board who can make big plays. Despite Syracuse winning the first time around, they only won that game because of that 30-minute defensive stretch— not to take anything away from that, but I doubt they’ll be able to replicate that again, as it was truly an anomaly. That leads me to lean toward Notre Dame, as they’ve come off back-to-back national championships and always seem to get the job done when needed, compared to Syracuse, who consistently loses big games despite their hype and talent. I’m expecting a back-and-forth battle, but with Notre Dame coming out on top.

Prediction: Notre Dame 14 – Syracuse 11

#2 North Carolina vs #3 Duke

(Friday, May 2nd @ 8:00 PM)

North Carolina squaring off with Duke in the postseason feels like a script made in heaven. North Carolina is having one of their best years in recent history, sitting with a 10-3 record. Those three losses came against Princeton, Army, and Notre Dame. Other than that, the Tar Heels have been nothing short of spectacular all season long. Many fans, including myself, felt that Duke was going to have a down year in 2025, but that could not have been more wrong. Duke only has two losses to top teams— Princeton in a one-goal affair back in February, and the other two against Denver and Notre Dame in late March. Duke’s fourth loss came in a tight matchup against the Tar Heels just a few weeks ago.

When the Tar Heels traveled down the road to face the Blue Devils, I don’t think anyone knew how much of a treat we were in for. The low-scoring game saw Duke with the lead at halftime, 5-3. North Carolina was able to put up a huge third quarter, outscoring Duke 4-1. The fourth quarter only saw one goal apiece by both squads, leading to an 8-7 final score in favor of the Tar Heels. On paper, both teams were dead even in just about every category. They had identical shots at 36 each and identical saves at 12. North Carolina secured 10 face-offs compared to Duke’s 9 and edged the Blue Devils in ground balls, 30-27. One of the only major discrepancies was North Carolina’s ability to clear the ball perfectly, while Duke went just 20-for-26. It was a masterclass performance from everyone involved, especially considering the rivalry between both schools.

On the year, both teams have been elite in the stats book. North Carolina’s offense is terrifying, averaging 13.4 goals per game, with Duke trailing slightly behind at 12.1. North Carolina’s defense has also gained an edge, averaging only 8.6 goals per game, compared to Duke’s 9.6. The Tar Heels have been on another level when it comes to face-offs, winning 64% of their draws, whereas Duke has won a modest 53%. Despite North Carolina having the edge in these three categories, the margins are small, and the rivalry will bring out the best in both teams.

When it comes to predicting a winner, it feels like it’s North Carolina’s year. The team has worked far too hard to get to this point to drop the ball now, and there’s a true love and brotherhood within that locker room. The Blue Devils are going to throw everything they can at the Tar Heels, but I believe North Carolina can handle the storm. Give me UNC making it to the ACC lacrosse championship game!

Prediction: North Carolina 11 – Duke 9

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Ivy League lacrosse has truly been in its bag this year. The top three teams—Cornell, Princeton, and Harvard—have all had national relevance throughout the season. The offenses have been high-flying and must-watch TV for all three of these squads. Despite these three teams being highly ranked, there do seem to be tiers between Cornell and Princeton, and Princeton and Harvard. However, the postseason typically brings out the best in Ivy League lacrosse, and we’ll have to play the games to know the outcomes. In the meantime, let’s take a look at each of these matchups and give some predictions.

#1 Cornell vs #4 Yale

(Friday, May 2nd @ 4:00pm)

There’s not a ton to say about Cornell that you don’t already know. The number one team in the country currently holds a 12-1 record, with their only loss coming against Penn State in overtime. Other than that, the team has been flawless. CJ Kirst has been on a tear this year and will look to cap that off with a national championship. The Big Red enters the Ivy League lacrosse tournament as the number one seed with a lot of confidence, knowing they can not only win the Ivy League but make it all the way to Memorial Day weekend.

The drop-off from Cornell to Yale is monumental. The Bulldogs currently hold a 5-7 record and barely squeaked their way into the Ivy League tournament with a 3-3 conference record. The team has struggled to find any real rhythm this year but has managed to win the games they were supposed to and lose the games they weren’t expected to win.

Looking at the box score alone, the first time Cornell and Yale faced each other this year was a very Ivy League game—lots of offense, not much defense. The 19-14 Cornell win was expected, but I don’t think many people anticipated Yale to put up this kind of fight. Yale seriously could have been in contention for the win if they hadn’t allowed Cornell to score seven in the first quarter, with the Bulldog offense only putting up one goal in the third quarter. Nothing jumps out on the stat sheet as both teams were neck-and-neck in shots, saves, clears, and face-offs. The real difference in this game came from CJ Kirst, who casually threw up 10 points on nine goals and one assist, paired with Ryan Goldstein, who also had 10 points, but with two goals and eight assists. Big players make big plays in big moments—and that’s exactly what happened here. Even though Yale put up a good fight, Cornell’s star athletes were the nail in the coffin.

When it comes to overall season numbers, Cornell easily takes the cake. The offense is the best in the country, averaging 15.8 goals per game, which is astonishing. Yale, on the other hand, is averaging a modest 12 goals per game, which trails in comparison to what Cornell has been able to do this year. The Big Red defense is serviceable, allowing close to 10 goals per game, which is acceptable when your offense is as high-flying as theirs. Yale, on the other hand, has one of the worst defenses in the country, allowing 13.2 goals per game. Pair that with Cornell having a 57% face-off winning percentage compared to Yale’s 51%, and considering this is a playoff game, the writing may already be on the wall.

No surprises here, no upsets, no scares. The Cornell Big Red are built for May, and with all the little moments they’ve been building up to, I’m sure they won’t squander the opportunity.

Prediction: Cornell 18 – Yale 9

#2 Princeton vs #3 Harvard

(Friday, May 2nd @ 6:30pm)

Both Princeton and Harvard have been two of the most exciting teams to follow this year in college lacrosse. With nearly identical overall records, Princeton gets the edge, holding an 11-2 regular-season record compared to Harvard’s 10-3 year. Princeton’s one out-of-conference loss came against Maryland in late February, which has aged well considering the Terrapins’ recent success. Their only conference loss came against Cornell in a game where the Tigers didn’t play their best, which they certainly know.

Harvard’s resume would have been nearly identical had they not had an early season loss to Colgate in February. Losses like that are odd, especially when you look back on them in retrospect. Their two conference losses came against none other than Cornell and Princeton, with the Crimson putting up a pretty good fight against the Tigers in their first matchup.

The first Harvard-Princeton matchup had huge implications, as many assumed these two teams would be fighting for the number two seed in the Ivy League lacrosse tournament, which is exactly what happened. Princeton came out hot, ending the first quarter with a 5-1 lead, which helped them coast to the victory despite Harvard’s best effort. The game ended in a 13-11 victory for the Tigers, but there’s no denying that Harvard fought until the end. The main difference-maker was the goalkeeping, as Princeton was able to secure 17 saves compared to Harvard’s 12. However, it’s surprising that Princeton came out on top considering they lost the turnover battle and the clearing battle outright. The Tigers made up for this with excellent face-off play, winning 17 of 27 face-offs and dominating the ground ball battle by 10.

Both teams have had very interesting years when you look at the numbers. And in very much an Ivy League fashion, the offenses have been incredible. Harvard gets the edge in scoring, ranking in the top three with an average of 14.4 goals per game, while Princeton isn’t too far behind at 12.9. These are elite offenses that no one will want to face in the postseason. Defense, on the other hand, has been a different story. Princeton’s defense has been solid enough to get the job done, averaging 9.7 goals per game. Harvard, however, is allowing a whopping 12 goals per game. The scoring differential between both teams is similar, but my confidence lies with the team that has proven they can make a stop when needed, which, at the end of the day, is more important than putting up high numbers. One of the funniest comparisons I’ve seen this year is the face-off stats. Princeton is averaging a 43% face-off win percentage on the year, with Harvard’s being even lower at 40%. These are two of the worst face-off teams in the country with historically bad numbers.

While Harvard’s Ivy League lacrosse storyline has been fun to watch all year and their offense has been very consistent, that defense is going to hurt them in the postseason. No team can make a deep run with a defense that is allowing 12 goals per game. I’ll bet my money on Princeton’s defense, which has at least been middle-of-the-pack and can work with that when paired with an elite offense.

Prediction: Princeton 16 – Harvard 12

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