Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: James M. Shuart Stadium, Long Island, New York
After another 2-3 week, Justin’s Picks heads to Long Island looking for a winning weekend. With only three PLL games and one WLL matchup on the schedule, there won’t be many places to hide. Every game carries major implications, from the Atlas’ desperate search for momentum in a doubleheader weekend to a heavyweight showdown between the Redwoods and Archers. Add in a battle of undefeated WLL teams, and this may be the smallest slate of the season, but it could end up being one of the most important. If nothing else, fewer games means fewer opportunities for me to be wrong… right?
Season Stats
PLL – 6-10
WLL – 0-3
Worst Prediction from Week 1:
The opening game! The Archers reminded how they can run up the scoreboard and Mac O’Keefe tied the PLL record of seven goals in a game.
Best Prediction from Week 1:
Redwoods in a close game over the Atlas -spot ON.
Friday, June 19
Boston Cannons vs. New York Atlas – 6:00 PM EDT
Winner: New York Atlas
Who had both of these teams at 1-3 through their first four games? I’m taking the Atlas in this matchup because this feels like a team that understands the urgency of the moment. Sitting at 1-3 and facing a doubleheader weekend, New York knows it can’t afford to let this season slip away. Even without Jeff Teat, the Atlas still have plenty of offensive talent led by Connor Shellenberger, who has continued to prove he can carry a larger role when called upon. The Cannons are dealing with many of the same issues, still searching for consistency on offense and trying to establish an identity that can carry them through the middle of the season. Boston has the talent to break out at any moment, but the Atlas have shown flashes of being the more dangerous team when their offense gets rolling. With their backs against the wall and an opportunity to build momentum before facing Maryland on Saturday, I think New York comes out aggressive and finds a way to earn a much-needed win.
Utah Archers vs. California Redwoods – 8:30 PM EDT
Winner: California Redwoods
I’m taking the Redwoods in what should be one of the best games of the weekend. California has quietly become one of the most complete teams in the PLL, combining disciplined defense, strong faceoff play, and a balanced offense that doesn’t rely on just one superstar to carry the load. The Archers have shown flashes of their championship pedigree, but they’ve also been inconsistent through the first month of the season and haven’t looked like the dominant team that won back-to-back titles. The Redwoods seem to be growing more confident each week, and their ability to control tempo has become one of their biggest strengths. In a matchup where every possession will matter, I trust California’s consistency a little more than Utah’s upside. The Archers are more than capable of proving me wrong, but right now the Redwoods look like the team trending in the right direction.
Saturday, June 20
Maryland Charm vs. New York Charging – 6:30 PM EDT
Winner: New York Charging
I’m taking the Charging in what feels like the marquee WLL matchup of the season thus far. Both teams enter undefeated, but New York has looked like a team that can win in a variety of ways, whether it’s through explosive offensive runs, strong defensive play, or simply making the right adjustments late in games. The Charging’s roster is loaded with playmakers who can create opportunities in transition and capitalize on even the smallest mistakes, which becomes especially important in a matchup between two evenly matched teams. Maryland has plenty of talent and has every reason to be confident, but I like New York’s offensive depth and ability to generate scoring chances from multiple areas of the field. In a game that could easily come down to a handful of possessions, I’m giving the edge to the Charging to remain unbeaten and make an early statement in the WLL standings.
Maryland Whipsnakes vs. New York Atlas – 9:00 PM EDT
Winner: Maryland Whipsnakes
I’m taking the Whipsnakes in this matchup because the combination of talent, momentum, and scheduling all seem to favor Maryland. The Atlas will be playing their second game of the weekend after battling Boston on Friday night, while the Whipsnakes enter rested and riding the confidence of a strong start to the season. Maryland’s veteran core continues to set the tone, but the addition of Joey Spallina has added another layer of excitement and offensive potential to a team that already knows how to win close games. New York still has enough talent to compete with anyone, especially if Connor Shellenberger gets hot, but life without Jeff Teat has made every offensive possession a little more difficult. Playing two games in two days is never easy in the PLL, and I think that challenge catches up with the Atlas against one of the league’s most disciplined teams. If Maryland controls possessions and continues to build chemistry around its veteran leaders and emerging young stars, the Whipsnakes should be able to close out the weekend with another important win. Notable to watch will be if Matt Rambo will suit up against his former team for the first time.