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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Hot and muggy conditions for fans and players at Homewood Field, which was draped in Maryland Terp colors for the hometown Whipsnakes.

New York handled Philadelphia. Boston held on to defeat Maryland 13-12. Denver, bolstered by Jared Bernhardt, rallied down 10-5 to pull away from Utah. Maryland steamrolled Carolina, putting up 20 goals and staying in playoff contention.

Six teams have two wins. They are sandwiched by 3-1 Boston at the top and 1-3 Carolina at the bottom. Good luck separating the six in the middle. Margins are tight in the PLL 2025.

Boston (3-1)
Coach Brian Holman, back at Hopkins where he graduated in 1983, had to be pleased with the vision of Asher Nolting (5 assists) and the playmaking of Cannon midfielders Matt Campbell and Ryan Drenner. Nolting remains mired in a shooting slump, which will be temporary as he continues to flash his distribution skills. In week three’s loss to Philadelphia, the Cannons made horrible defensive pick decisions. They beat themselves. LSM Owen Grant has met expectation as a cover man and in transition. Rookie SSDM from Notre Dame bounced back after a rough outing in Philadelphia with a solid game of coverage.

They clamped down on Maryland in the third quarter, expanding a 7-5 advantage to 12-8. Nolting made it 13-8 early in the fourth quarter and, while going scoreless the last 11:17, Boston held on for the 13-12 win. Rookie Coulter Mackesy hit his shots from the lefty wing and DU rookie Mic Kelly had some dodging success from uptop. Boston will be big favorites over Carolina in San Diego this week.

Denver (2-2)
60% of Logan McNaney’s saves have been clean—that is, caught. The next highest goalie in the PLL is at 47%. The rookie from Maryland has the ability to snare shots without rebounds and throw aggressive outlets. Those runouts have been a difference maker for Denver. McNaney’s humble poise and demeanor are icing on the cake. He celebrated his 24th birthday in style on Sunday at Homewood and is 2-0 as the starter.

Coach Tim Soudan has multiple options with Jared Bernhardt. Do you run him at midfield or on attack? Bernhardt’s speed and acceleration is a unicorn even amongst elite PLL players. After scoring four against Utah, he’s going to be demanding immediate double teams.

Brennan O’Neil, now healthy, is in a little bit of a shooting slump but still impactful with the ball in his pocket as a catalyst. Not everybody in the league has a Graeme Hossack to mark him. I’d like to see O’Neil get more involved in the picking game and cutting off ball.

Denver’s DNA has been transition. Clean saves have led to runouts by Jake Piseno and Ryan Terefenko. The SSDM from Ohio State is tough, sturdy, and likes to stay on the field in the picking game for some pass-down, pick-down looks on the wing arc.

Very veteran defense kept Utah off the doorstep. JT Giles-Harris, Mike Manley, and Jesse Bernhardt have loads of experience. Poles Jake Piseno and AJ Pilate were stable and the Denver shorties played better as the game went on.

Down 7-3 and being outplayed, Denver got goals from Pat Kavanagh and Logan Wisnauskas prior to halftime. The Utah margin swelled to 10-5 and it didn’t look good. Three goals, including a deuce by Bundy, to end the third quarter made it 10-9. Bernhardt tied it at 10. 8-0 run was a shocking finish. Denver held Utah scoreless for the final 19:55 while shooting 0-10 to end the contest. That’s two straight wins for the Outlaws and momentum.

If Denver can get Bernhardt and O’Neil drawing double teams, Kavanagh can become a dissector, with Graham Bundy and Dalton capitalizing on the defensive movement. The midfield offense has been subpar, so it was positive to see Justin Anderson and Young contribute. Denver offense is still a work in progress, with room for growth, which is a good thing if you’re an Outlaw fan.

Denver is a different team with goalie Logan McNaney and playmaker Jared Bernhardt in the lineup. Outlaws meet California in a key Western Conference game this week.

New York (2-2)
Coach Mike Pressler shook up his midfield personnel group, sitting Myles Jones and Kyle Jackson. Reid Bowering, a lefty from BC, was activated and gave Jeff Teat some wonderfully solid picks to run off of. SSDMs Danny Logan and Chet Comizio were back in the lineup. Logan, regarded as the best in the business at that position, may be a two-goal swing himself.

New York showed up with the eye of the tiger. They led 4-1 after 12:00 and 8-4 at half. They haven’t played a full 48 minutes to date, so finishing with a 17-9 victory over Philadelphia felt like a statement win.

Bryan Costabile was dealing from the outside. Jeff Teat was in MVP form. They put together a pair of 6-1 runs to silence the critics. Defenseman Gavin Adler was tenacious covering Michael Sowers and goalie Liam Entenmann was on fire.

Rookies Max Krevsky and Hugh Kelleher were solid in their two-way roles. Some say lacrosse is a young man’s game. Atlas square off with Utah this week.

Utah (2-2)
Built a 10-5 lead and then hit a wall, outscored 8-0 to end the game. 13-10 loss stings. Multiple pass goals have been in short supply. Picking game has no punch. Mac O’Keefe and Grant Ament not producing to prior levels. Archers missing Tre LeClaire as a valuable chip. Transition goals have been in short supply. Connor Fields isn’t getting to the rack like he did as an isolation dodger in 2024. Utah ranks low in face-off percentage and offensive efficiency. Turnovers continue to be an issue.

Rookie Sam King has provided a burst of energy and been highly productive when he gets touches. Tom Schreiber remains impactful but he can’t do it alone. I’m not seeing multiple pass goals or ball reversal. Utah skip lanes have been jammed.

Philadelphia (2-2)
Offense wasn’t flowing, which was frustrating if you kept your eyes on Coach Bill Tierney during the broadcast.

It felt as if Philadelphia failed to match New York’s intensity, urgency, and fight level from the opening face-off. Down 4-1 and 8-4 at half in the heat wasn’t ideal.

D-man Jack DeBenedetto from Denver dressed and covered Xander Dickson well. Ben Randall didn’t have his best game, trying to navigate through picks chasing Teat around for 48 minutes. Jack Hannah and Thomas McConvey were too quiet. Philly didn’t use the pick game for Michael Sowers as much this week and Jake Taylor got face guarded by Michael Grace.

Will we see CJ Kirst this week in San Diego? The Tewaaraton winner is coming off surgery. Certainly July 11 in Chicago looks likely. Where will he play—attack or midfield? That’ll be an interesting decision for the veteran coach.

Two bright spots on defense were Kenny Brower, who covered Connor Shellenberger, and Marcus Hudgins at the LSM spot. Hudgins’ diving ground ball play along the sideline may have been the hustle play of the week. Philly plays California out west this weekend.

California (2-1)
The Redwoods enjoyed a bye weekend, avoiding the tropical temperatures in Charm City, and now host a pair of games from San Diego on Friday (Denver) and Saturday (Philadelphia). All PLL games can be seen on ESPN+.

Maryland (2-3)
The Whips split games this weekend, dropping a close contest to Boston and thrashing Carolina on Sunday in the finale. That emphatic win keeps them in the hunt.

On Sunday, rookie goalie Emmet Carroll earned another starting nod after playing well in the rout of the Chaos. Levi Anderson was dressed and made an impact off the dodge from the wings. Look for the lefty from St. Joe’s to be back in the lineup. Rob Pannell set the all-time assists record on Saturday and found the net twice on Sunday, ending a tough string of bad shooting luck. Matt Brandau and Aidan Carroll are surging and finding their role definition. FOGO Joe Nardella takes a back seat to nobody.

My concern about Maryland revolves around their SSDM position group and the close defense’s inability to slide, rotate, and recover against the Cannons. Too often they left their SSDM group on an island in disadvantageous areas and offered no help.

Maryland deserves a bye after two games within 16 hours in intense heat and humidity. You won’t see them again until Chicago on July 11 and 12.

Carolina (1-3)
The Chaos had no answers for Maryland, trailing 4-2 after one quarter and 12-4 at half. Offensive inefficiency was rampant in the 20-6 loss, one of the worst in PLL history.

Aside from the dysfunction on offense, which was untestable given new personnel in the lineup with Sergio Perkovic, Shane Knobloch, and Owen Hiltz, it was the lack of defense that was startling because the Chaos usually play above par at that end. Short stick coverage was awful, slides were disjointed, pick play was poor, and interior coverage non-existent as Maryland got every look they wanted and controlled all the matchups. Blaze Riorden got shelled in an unusually poor effort for the normally stellar netminder. The offense was held scoreless for the last 17 minutes in a game that can be best described as forgettable. Jackson Eicher and Knobloch were positives. Coach Roy Colsey has to continue to rotate the lineup to find combinations that fit. The defensive communication and execution must improve. Carolina looked like the B league team playing in the bigs. Get back to work and see if you can make baby steps towards being competitive in San Diego.

San Diego is up next with games on Friday and Saturday night from Torero Stadium.

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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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Three weeks into the PLL summer and every team has absorbed a loss. Margins are tight. Four teams are 2-1, and four are 1-2. Winning a game isn’t easy. At this stage, the race is wide open. The PLL visits Baltimore on June 21 and 22, with four games from historic Homewood Field on the campus of Johns Hopkins. Saturday’s games can be seen on ESPN and ESPN2. Sunday’s noon face-off will be televised by ABC. The Sunday Funday finale will air on ESPN+.

Utah Archers
Harvard rookie Sam King scored a critical two-pointer in a one-goal win over California on Friday night. King has a snappy release, the clocking hot at 91 mph, and appeared to catch goalie Chayse Ierlan off guard. The Redwoods hung around and, to their credit, took the two-time champs into deep water. Last week, Utah committed 23 turnovers against Boston while shooting 0-6 from two-point range. Brett Dobson was 66% in the loss, fighting an ankle injury.

Utah isn’t humming like they did in 2024. They miss Tre LeClaire in the pick game. The offensive ball movement is stagnant. Skip lanes are being clogged. Utah is trying to hit home runs instead of singles. They squandered a 5-0 lead.

The defense remains formidable. Mike Sisselberger and Tom Schreiber scored clutch goals, breaking open a 10-10 tie game midway through the final quarter. California was held to one goal over the final 7:46. Utah and Denver can be seen on ABC, Sunday at noon. If you live within driving distance of Baltimore, I highly recommend you check the PLL product out in person. To see these players operate in person is truly unbelievable.

Philadelphia Waterdogs
2-8 in 2024 but now in the upper echelon after handling Boston on Friday night. Home court rules dictate a tight turnaround for a Saturday night PLL sequel against Denver. The Dogs ran out of gas, suffering a 9-7 setback. Home teams are at a competitive disadvantage in game two of their exhausting weekend.

Shooting 7 of 34 against the Outlaws was a primary issue. Hitting 4 of 8 in the first quarter is the good news. Going 3 of 26 the rest of the way versus rookie Logan McNaney became the headline.

Philly’s offense is scary with Michael Sowers, Jake Taylor, and Kieran McArdle on attack. Add in midfield dodgers Jack Hannah and Thomas McConvey and teams have slide decisions to make. Throw in playmaker Connor Kelly, now being covered by a shorty, and you get a feeling as to why I think the Waterdogs have the best offense in the league. Tewaaraton winner CJ Kirst was at Nova, in a sling, post-surgery, masquerading as a water boy. I would expect him back after the July 4 All-Star weekend in Kansas City. Coach Bill Tierney will have lineup decisions to make.

Boston Cannons
Cannons (2-1) came up short against Philadelphia after scoring a mere one goal in the third quarter. An 8-7 nail-biter quickly escalated into a 13-8 Philly lead.

Kingpins Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman had just two points apiece. LSM Owen Grant converted once in transition. Cannons defense had no answers for Michael Sowers (2,5) and Thomas McConvey (4,0). FOGO Zac Tucci continues to live on the edge, puking into a bucket between face-off reps, and playing to the echo of the whistle.

Maryland Whipsnakes
Gutsy comeback for the Whips, diverting the trajectory of their season with the late rally. They executed an 8-0 run to finish the game and iced the Atlas on ABC. Maryland trailed 6-0 early and 12-8 with 9:56 to play. They shot 0-10 in the first quarter. A Brad Smith two-pointer cut the deficit to 12-10. Adam Poitras made it 12-11. Aidan Carroll fired a right-hander to tie the game at 12-12. Smith, TJ Malone, and Poitras piled on. 16-12 final was an unpredictable outcome until it happened. This game spun on its axis.

D-man Tim Muller blanketed Xander Dickson and Matt Dunn held Jeff Teat to one point. Matt Rambo ran out of the box with Matt Brandeau starting on attack. Penalty kill unit has killed off 14 straight power plays over the 2024 and 2025 calendar. Life without midfielders Ryan Conrad, Tucker Dordevic, and Mike Chanenchuk has been a struggle. Colin Heacock scored three times for Maryland, playing smart in settled sets and cutting well. Goalie Brendan Krebs, playing against his high school teammate Liam Entenmann, saved his best for the fourth quarter with a couple of timely stops to squash New York’s hopes.

California Redwoods
Lost a hard-fought, one-goal game to Utah on Friday night. Started slowly and climbed back, which has been a trend, only to fall short with an L to an upper-tier team. For some, the loss will feel like validation. But a loss is a loss. Winning games is difficult in the PLL. Turn the page and move on. California (2-1) has a bye week prior to hosting on June 27 and 28 in San Diego. Without question, you have to respect the effort that this team is putting on the field each game. They’re flying around, trying super hard, making all the hustle plays—I have huge respect for them for their attitude and demeanor.

The Chris Merle (SSDM) injury did not look good. Merle was playing at an All-Star level and GM Joe Spallina will have to tinker with the lineup. SSDMs Brian Tevlin and Carter Rice, who are doing great work, will need assistance. They can’t run every shift. ‘Trader Joe’ is probably on the phone as you’re reading this.

Dylan Molloy played in seven games during the last two seasons and accumulated nine points. Going into action in Philadelphia, he led the PLL with ten points after two games. Molloy’s body dodges create separation. He’s incredibly productive given his lack of speed and a left hand. What he does with the tools he has is downright amazing. He is very much in tune with his own skill set, toolbox, and picks his spots to employ them. I’m constantly in awe of the subtleties and nuances that pro players bring to the dance, and Molloy is a case study and a reminder that it’s not about what skills you don’t have—it’s about how you can maximize the ones that you do possess.

The new-look Redwoods welcome the league to San Diego on June 27 and 28. Hope to see you there. You can find me at Windansea Beach in La Jolla, or the Saturday morning farmers market in Little Italy.

New York Atlas
Atlas blew a 6-0 lead, an 8-1 advantage, and a 12-8 margin with 9:56 to play in the fourth quarter. They got tired. Coming off a bye week, it appeared as if their legs went rubbery. Like they were breathing fire. Not sure if dressing fewer true SSDMs came back to haunt them, but they fell apart during the last ten minutes. Unable to win face-offs, ground balls, or make stops—it was an epic and improbable collapse to the Whipsnakes and shines a light on NY’s defensive deficiencies. Over-reliance on goalie Liam Entenmann has to end. Defense has been sold separately. And without ace shorty Danny Logan, the unit was exposed.

Midfielder Myles Jones now has 98 career assists. At 100 career assists, he joins Paul Rabil, Tom Schreiber, and Matt Striebel. Jones was unusually quiet in the loss to Maryland.

Denver Outlaws
A PLL 9-7 Saturday nightcap win, the first for rookie goalie Logan McNaney, puts the Outlaws in the winning column. 14 saves and seven goals against, combined with flawless passing and some instinctual grounders around the crease, indicate that the likable McNaney has arrived. He is comfortable in big games with a 13-3 NCAA tournament record, the most postseason wins all-time for a goaltender. Logan played in four national championship games.

Pat Kavanagh scored a hat trick and the transition offense had some bite with Jake Piseno, Nick Grill, and Ryan Terefenko running hard from defense to the offensive arc. A win, however unimpressive, is a giant step in the right direction.

Jared Bernhardt scored his first career PLL goal, a question mark up the left hash. His agility, cutting, and movement skills are next level, freakishly efficient, and visually obvious—even to the most novice lacrosse viewers. He just moves differently.

Outlaws haven’t shared the biscuit. Graham Bundy and Justin Anderson have to make more of an impact. Prior to the win, only 23.4% of Denver’s shots had been assisted. That’s down from 38.1% last summer, and last in the league by a wide margin.

So the focus in Philly was on upgrading the passing. Coach Tim Soudan utilized Dave Urick’s “Hippo” drill in practice on Friday night. Play half-field with a 3-second time clock on every ball carrier. Offensive players must move the ball, shoot, or go to the goal within 3 seconds of receiving possession. Playing faster has virtues. Avoiding black hole (ball hog) moments is critical to unit success. Expect to see veteran Eric Law in the lineup sooner than later. Law makes others better. Denver and Utah square off on Sunday at noon on ABC.

Carolina Chaos
Last in the league in possession time. Troy Reh has 15 ground balls, which leads the league for non-FOGOs. Carolina had a bye weekend and plays Maryland on Sunday at 2:30 PM.

Quint Kessenich covers lacrosse for the ESPN family of networks and writes for LaxAllStars. Listen to his podcast in our media section. Anthony Kelly, the head coach of the California Redwoods, joined Quint this week.

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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 PLL train rolled through Charlotte with big wins, highlight goals, and a couple of teams starting to separate from the pack. Through two weeks, we’re already seeing who’s got juice and who’s still stuck in neutral.

1) Boston Cannons

Princeton rookie Coulter Mackesy made his debut in Charlotte, which shipped Will Manny to the pine. Veteran Marcus Holman’s dive shot at the buzzer gave Boston (2-0) a 9-8 win over Utah. Cannon Colin Kirst and Utah’s Brett Dobson staged the goalie battle of the week, the duo putting on a show, both north of 60%. Goalie play has improved with the new neon ball. Better optics. Offense, across the league, is not where it needs to be. Offensive flow takes time to develop. Not enough teams are pushing transition.

Rookie SSDM Ben Ramsey, the bagpiper from Notre Dame, had three caused turnovers in his first game in Albany and scored his first PLL goal against the Archers. In South Bend, Dickie V’s grandson, Ryan Sforzo, is the new pied piper for the Irish.

2) Utah Archers

Firepower lacking in a Saturday loss to Boston. Middie Tom Schreiber uncharacteristically committed costly mistakes at crunch time—tossing the ball away high in the offensive zone which led to a transition goal. Then Boston’s LSM Owen Grant stripped him on the next possession that led to the Marcus Holman drama. Look for Schreiber to bounce back with a big game following this setback. That’s how the greats react.

Connor Fields, the hero of week one, had just two shots on 25 touches. Goalie Brett Dobson, who’s fighting an ankle injury, was 68% in the Maryland win week one and again stellar in defeat, showcasing his high arc. Grant Ament tweaked his left hamstring. His availability is questionable.

3) New York Atlas

Charlotte was a bye week for the Bulls, not ideal when you’re trying to build continuity and solidify a lineup. NY split their two games as the host in Albany, defeating Carolina 10-8 and falling to Boston 16-12. Atlas passing offense not clicking this summer like in 2024, held scoreless for 17:38 against the Chaos. Trevor Baptiste (74%) face-off wins have not been parlayed into grade A scoring chances in the :32 second shot clock. Opponents have shut off Xander Dickson on the crease and he has shot 22% in the first two games on just 37 touches. Boston put a pole on lefty midfielder Kyle Jackson to deter two-man games with Jeff Teat. Carolina was slow to slide, making NY score unassisted goals. OC Stevens Brooks must come up with schematic answers in order to adapt, react, evolve and succeed. If teams are hesitant to slide, run some clear outs for dodgers. Use Dickson in the pick game. Activate Connor Shellenberger. Meanwhile, goalie Liam Entenmann (57%) was razor sharp in Albany. He was in mid-season form.

Rookie Matt Traynor contributed 4 goals and looked the part from the midfield. Myles Jones (4 assists) had his eyes up as a ball handler. Veteran LSM CJ Costabile found the net on Friday, although he was the only rope member to collect a point. Atlas will be well served to run upfield with intent off of Entenmann clean saves. New York plays Maryland on June 14 at Villanova.

4) Philadelphia Waterdogs

Tale of two halves for goalie Matt Deluca. First half he made 7 saves with 11 scores against, then in the second half he made 8 saves with only 2 scores allowed. After trailing 11-8 at half, Philly outscored Maryland 8-1 in 2nd half to grab their first win of the summer. Good start for Coach Bill Tierney. Catalyst Michael Sowers reminded us that he’s an MVP candidate with 7 assists. His quicks and vision were too much for Maryland. Sowers is an outlier. That’s one short of the PLL record (Matt Rambo had 8 in 2020). Dogs ran Sowers off razor picks and picks at X to keep MD on their heels. He fed the crease for layups.

5) Maryland Whipsnakes

Shot 7 of 41 (17%) in a week one loss to Utah. TJ Malone went 3 of 7 and the rest shot less than 12%. This weekend in Charlotte they hit three 2-pt goals in first half. One by rookie Scott Smith and two by midfielder Brad Smith and then the offense hit the wall. Whips didn’t finish. They missed their last 9 shots of game, going 1-16 in the final 24:00. Lefty Matt Rambo was held scoreless for second straight game. He is 0-6 after two games. Rambo was yanked by coach Jim Stagnitta in the fourth quarter. Is Rob Pannell next? Father Time is undefeated.

Is that the last time we will see Matt Rambo in a Whips uniform? With the PLL coming to his hometown Philadelphia this weekend, the league should celebrate Matt Rambo Night to honor his career. Parade Rambo around the stadium holding a giant QR code that unlocks free hot dogs from Wawa.

6) California Redwoods

11 of 15 goals in a week one win came from newly acquired talent. In week two, California turned a four-goal early deficit into a lopsided 16-10 win over Carolina. Woods took 58 shots, a PLL record. I love the diversification with seven unique goal scorers and six different players having an assist. Carolina goalie Blaze took himself out early, because he was getting pummeled. Woods took 50 shots thru three quarters. If it were a fight, the towel would have been thrown.

This California team has the magic, no doubt, but I’m not believing the hype. Viral circus goals by Chris Kavanagh and Ryder Garnsey are coming to your timeline this week. Woods are (2-0) only because they’ve faced the two worst teams in the PLL. Let’s talk after the Woods play a real contender.

7) Carolina Chaos

Defense is elite. Offense not so much with midfield scoring sold separately. Carolina split games as the host—beating Denver and losing to California. Lefty goalie Blaze Riorden made 25 saves on Friday night, nine in the first quarter. That’s a new PLL record. Carolina outscored Denver 7-2 after trailing 6-5 at half. They ran out of steam in game two, giving up a record 58 shots in defeat. Their SSDM’s got scratched like my poison ivy. Saturday’s collapse is a notable trend for double header home teams playing in their second game in 24 hours. Fast starts. Slow finishes. Two games back-to-back is a competitive disadvantage.

8) Denver Outlaws

Added Jared Bernhardt to their roster late last Monday night, joining older brother Jesse as an Outlaw. Jesse (Maryland 2013) and Jared (2021) have never played together. Jared went 0-5 shooting with no points in his Charlotte debut. The rust was notable and expected off a multi-year layoff but if you watch closely, you’ll see movement skills that are rare. According to Paul Carcaterra of ESPN, “Bernhardt will be a problem for PLL defenses.” The Outlaws have assembled four Tewaaraton winners (Bernhardt 21, Wisnauskas 22, O’Neill 23, Pat Kavanagh 24). Sometimes talent doesn’t equate to chemistry. Sometimes the ingredients don’t complement each other. And sometimes the chef is to blame. I don’t love the orbital energy of their electrons.

Friday night loss featured a second half 2-22 shooting performance. Brennan O’Neill hit on 3 of 5 shots in first half. Then he quieted to an 0-5 performance in second half. Wisnauskas, Jack Vanoverbeke and Justin Anderson have not produced to their prior levels. Dalton Young finally woke up. Graham Bundy Jr hit a deuce. Midfielder Sam Handley did not dress. This ensemble is a work in progress.

The PLL shifts to Philadelphia this week, with games on the campus of Villanova University on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14. The New York vs Maryland matchup on Saturday at 1 PM will air on ABC. Saturday Night Lacrosse features Denver and Philadelphia. All PLL games are available on ESPN+. For tickets, visit PLL.com.

Quint Kessenich covers lacrosse for the ESPN family of networks and writes for LaxAllStars. Listen to his podcast in our media section. Anish Shroff, the lyrical poet of lacrosse, was this week’s guest.

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The 2025 PLL season is underway after four games this past weekend in Albany, NY.

Coaches and general managers finalized their rosters following the draft and a week of training camp in Albany. Philadelphia had the bye. First-round draft choice and Tewaaraton winner CJ Kirst is currently on the PUP list with an upper-body injury, and his status remains uncertain.

The Jared Bernhardt sweepstakes has emerged as a major storyline this week. Which team will land the former Tewaaraton winner, who’s been playing in the NFL and CFL since 2022?

Saturday’s games were played in unseasonably chilly, windy, and rainy conditions.

1) New Faces Make Their Debuts

The 2025 rookie class may have a lasting impact after an exceptional opening weekend. Rookie success in May and June isn’t shocking, often due to sharpness and the lack of scouting reports on these new faces. The influx of new blood was a primary theme in Week One.

Jackson Eicher, the Army rookie, fit in seamlessly on Friday, pumping in three goals and stamping himself as the top offensive threat on the Chaos. He’s more mobile than you’d expect, gigantic, and has a right-handed cannon.

Chris Kavanagh had a monster debut for California as they took down Denver. Kav, out of Notre Dame, scored three times and added an assist while running alongside his former college teammate and current ND assistant coach Ryder Garnsey.

Matt Traynor, the Penn State rookie, is going to be a matchup nightmare from the midfield against shorties. He can play multiple spots within the New York offensive system and is a dual threat to dodge to the goal or shoot from range.

Andrew McAdorey showcased rare speed and acceleration, upgrading California’s 32-second offense in transition. The Duke graduate is wicked off the wings during the abbreviated shot clock and remains a legitimate invert threat.

Josh Balcarcel, the Marist rookie, brings insane dodging ability. He’s an outlier at 5’7” with a change-of-direction move that could send defenders to the emergency room. His success story from a smaller D1 school is heartwarming.

Sam King (Harvard) tallied three assists for Utah and has the processing speed to contribute at the pro level. Bryce Ford (Maryland) was part of the Archers’ midfield rotation in Albany. Aidan Carroll (Georgetown) scored his first career goal for Maryland, while Christian Mazur (Army) ran SSDM for the Terps.

Brendan LaVelle (Penn) started at close defense for Utah. Ben Ramsey (Notre Dame) filled the SSDM role for Boston, and Carter Rice (Syracuse) was a mainstay for California’s rope unit. Ray Dearth (Harvard) looks like the prototypical shorty and earned a starting spot for Carolina.

Logan McNaney (Maryland) and Emmet Carroll (Penn) both picked up checks in Albany as backup goalies for the Outlaws and Whipsnakes, respectively. Training camp reports were stellar for both stoppers.

Among second-year pros, Aidan Danenza and JJ Sillstrop scored their first career goals on Friday night. Graydon Hogg played well for the Cannons, and Jack Posey (PSU 2024) saw all sorts of playing time on defense for the Chaos.

2) Chaos Defensive DNA

Carolina may struggle on offense in 2025, but the defense still has bite. Jack Rowlett was effective in blanketing Jeff Teat, while Jared Neumann bumped up top to shadow Bryan Costabile and Myles Jones. LSM Troy Reh slid down to the crease area and essentially put Xander Dickson into witness protection.

Meanwhile, for the Chaos, the biggest question marks lie in the midfield—specifically, finding dodgers who can separate and create. It’s a key challenge for first-year head coach Roy Colsey. On the other end, the defensive nucleus remains stable under DC Kyle Sweeney, whose no-slide mentality frustrated New York on Friday.

Blaze Riorden continues to be the standard in the PLL, although New York’s Liam Entenmann (16 saves) is closing the gap. Two-point shots were in short supply during Week One, adding to the defensive edge that shaped early-season play.

3) The 32-Second Game

Short-clock offensive efficiency remains a key storyline in 2025. After winning a faceoff, teams have a 32-second shot clock, which shifts the offensive mentality. Rather than working the ball for the best possible look, teams often hunt the first available shot. That urgency makes quick substitutions critical and increases the value of faceoff wingers who can play both ways.

Here’s a look at 32-second offensive efficiency from the 2024 season:

1. Atlas – 32.4%
2. Outlaws – 26.0%
3. Archers – 25.5%
4. Chaos – 20.6%
5. Whipsnakes – 19.8%
6. Waterdogs – 19.8%
7. Cannons – 19.3%
8. Redwoods – 16.1%

League average: 22.9%

4) Redwoods Reboot

The California Redwoods remodel is officially underway. Coach Anthony “A-Train” Kelly picked up his first win and broke it down in the locker room, while GM Joe Spallina’s offseason moves brought in a wave of fresh faces that made an early impact.

Key additions included Andrew McAdorey, Sam English, Chris Kavanagh, Carter Rice, Brendan Nichtern, Cole Kastner, and Ryan Aughavin. Some made their debut in Week One, while others were unavailable or did not dress.

Departures from the roster included Rob Pannell, who signed with the Whipsnakes, Garrett Degnon, who was traded to the Chaos, and Ricky Miezan, who was released. Isaiah Davis-Allen and Chris Gray both retired.

5) Boston’s Defensive Backbone

Boston LSM Owen Grant (Delaware 2023) looks like he’s going to be a force in the middle of the field for head coach Brian Holman. With Jack Kielty returning from an Achilles injury, the Cannons appear poised to be strong on the defensive end.

Goalie Colin Kirst played well on Saturday night in horrendous conditions, helping Boston pull away from their eastern rival, New York.

The PLL heads to Charlotte, NC this week with games on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. Saturday’s Utah vs Boston matchup at 1 PM will air on ABC, while Saturday Night Lacrosse features California taking on Carolina. All PLL games are also available for streaming on ESPN+. For tickets, visit PLL.com.

Quint Kessenich covers lacrosse for the ESPN family of networks and writes for LaxAllStars. You can listen to his podcast in our media section—his latest guest was Brendan Staub, a defender from Cornell.

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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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Cornell’s road to the 2025 national championship wasn’t just a story of talent—it was a masterclass in experience, depth, and resolve. From seasoned seniors to unsung heroes, the Big Red checked every box when it mattered most. Here are 21 reasons why the Cornell men’s lacrosse program is back on top.

1. Sixteen seniors. Thirteen had played in the 2022 championship game. You can’t put a price tag on experience.
   
   
2. Goalie Wyatt Knust’s improvement from moments in 2024 to the playoff run of 2025. He grew up in 2024 after having to fight for his position. His first-quarter saves in the Maryland final were tone-setters for the Big Red defense. The lefty senior from Tampa finished the year at 18-1 with a 54% save clip and was more than steady in clearing the ball and aligning the defense.
   
   
3. A healthy FOGO Jack Cascadden. The Garden City, LI native played in one game in 2024, going 21-of-28 against Lehigh before being injured and sidelined the entire campaign. That absence was a major reason the Cornell men’s lacrosse program missed the NCAA Tournament. Cascadden finished this season with 10 goals while going 61% at the dot. He was the Ivy League FOGO of the Year but proved his mettle in the NCAA Tournament. Backup FOGO Mike Melkonian, a freshman from South Side HS in Nassau County, won 2-of-3 draws in the final. Say Melkonian comes into the game in the third or fourth quarter and goes 0-for-3 and allows Maryland to come back? That didn’t happen.
   
   
4. Hard Hat plays. Cornell won the middle of the field and continually got their sticks on loose balls. They earned a few run-outs and won the hustle stats on Monday.
   
   
5. An experienced and potent second midfield line. Ryan Waldman, a sophomore from NJ, scored against Penn State during the CU 6-1 third-quarter run. Brian Luzzi, a junior from Bethpage, LI, had goals in the semis and final. Ryan Sheehan, the senior of the group from West Genny, was rock solid. This line did exactly what they were designed to do—timely production and quality possessions in critical moments. You can’t win an NCAA title without a serviceable second midfield trio.
   
   
6. The Big Red found different ways to score when CJ Kirst was in a shooting funk—hitting just 2-of-20 in the quarters and semis. Long poles and shorties stepped up offensively, and Cornell clicked in transition.
   
   
7. Unassisted goals. Maryland was either slow to slide or discombobulated on defense. So Cornell, a team known for their passing and high assist rate, scored unassisted goals in the national championship game off dodges by CJ Kirst and Ryan Goldstein. Goldstein proved to be a nightmare matchup for Maryland on Memorial Day. The sophomore from Radnor, PA—a legacy with both parents in the Cornell Hall of Fame—danced his way to destiny with four goals. He had a monster game against Richmond and is the heir apparent in Ithaca once CJ graduates. Goldstein is a true X quarterback attackman who breaks ankles with sudden cuts and unpredictable movements. His vision and passing accuracy are both pro-level.
   
   
8. Hugh Kelleher playing like a pro. The senior from MacArthur HS in central Long Island was drafted by the NY Atlas of the PLL and played to that level. At 6’3″ and 220 lbs, he was rumbling downhill in the semis and finished that game with three critical goals.
   
   
9. Defensive cohesion after getting abused by Yale in the Ivy League semifinal. It was so bad that DC Jordan Stevens had to play zone. After beating Princeton 20-15, the defensive unit found a new gear. Slide packages were clean. D-men made great decisions. Shorties covered in space. The entire six-man unit stepped up and held Penn State to nine goals and Maryland to ten. The tactically sound man-to-man scheme, with a little zone sprinkled in, kept opponents off balance. CU defended the pick game well and didn’t surrender cheap goals in transition.
   
   
10. Depth of contribution at the SSDM position. TJ Lamb, Chris Davis, Luke Gilmartin, Michael Bozzi, and Charlie Box all got runs. A good player, when tired, becomes a bad player. A good player, when fresh, is good. Cornell used depth to upgrade this position group.
    
    
11. Long poles with an offensive mindset. Walker Wallace, Walker Schwartz, and Brendan Staub all carried the ball upfield with confidence. Staub played 2024 at LSM and that positional versatility was apparent. Schwartz scored against Richmond. Cornell owned the middle of the field and these LSMs jumped off the screen.
    
    
12. A simple 3-3 zone ride was effective because of hustle. Ryan Goldstein became a menace on the ride. CJ Kirst has always been a terror while forechecking. The hustling group shrunk windows and time, and Maryland had three failed clears at crunch time.
    
    
13. Brendan Staub elevated his game to All-American level. He was smooth with first-time grounders and had goals against Penn State and Richmond.
    
    
14. Coach Buczek called Michael Long the brains of the operation. The sixth-year senior went for 4-13 in the four NCAA Tournament wins, quietly dissecting defenses and making the right play every time. He was the silent assassin.
    
    
15. Health. The Cornell men’s lacrosse program started the same lineup in all 19 games this season. Their strength and conditioning staff deserves credit. That group is the proactive portion of staying healthy. Diet, sleep, and workload management are three critical factors in maintaining peak health. When you win physical confrontations, you generally stay healthy. When you lose those same moments of contact, you can get hurt. The reactive branch of a team is the athletic training staff. They’re responsible for keeping guys on the mend and in the lineup once they’re banged up. Cornell had perfect attendance. That’s right out of Hard Hat 21. Be dependable.
    
    
16. A 2024 NCAA Tournament snub and no titles since 1977 provided fuel for 16 seniors to hunt excellence.
    
    
17. A disappointing and improbable loss to Penn State provided a lesson in finishing. Up 12-8 with 6:08 to play, and up 12-9 with 2:27 left in the game. Somehow Cornell gave that game away. It wouldn’t happen again. They learned to finish. Without that setback and painful loss, maybe they lose to Richmond in the quarterfinals after being down 12-11 in the fourth quarter. The Big Red finished that game on a 5-2 run. They wouldn’t be denied.
    
    
18. In his fifth year at the helm of the Cornell men’s lacrosse program, Coach Connor Buczek made all the right moves. The 31-year-old is the right combination of raw leader and tactical maestro. Cornell’s biggest challenge will be retaining him when high-profile jobs open up. He’ll be everyone’s top choice, and for good reason. He’s the real deal—but we knew that back in 2022.
    
    
19. DC Jordan Stevens is ready to be a head coach. His work with this defense was imperative to the late-season success. The 2015 alum is one of the best young leaders in the country.
    
    
20. CJ Kirst played like a bona fide star, taking over the NCAA title game every time Maryland defender Will Schaller wasn’t matched up against him. But for me, CJ’s relentless effort and positivity were most apparent in the two games where his offensive production lagged—ten ground balls and three caused turnovers against Richmond. No whining after going o-fer in the semifinal. Who knows how severe his right hand/wrist injury is? No complaints. No excuses. Just play. It didn’t matter. CJ caps off one of the most dominant seasons in the sport’s history with an NCAA title. He will always be remembered by how he played—not by gaudy stats. Well done > well said.
    
    
21. This was a win for culture. After nearly 50 years, Cornell men’s lacrosse finished on top. Their core beliefs are anchored by former player George Boiardi, who passed away in 2004 after being hit by a shot during a game. George wore #21. His parents were in Gillette Stadium. And for Cornell, #21 has always been a special number. Twenty-one years after he lost his life, this band of brothers pushed the proud program to gold. It’s a story that will be told for decades.

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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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