Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: Ridley American Legion Memorial Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Week 3 was better, but it wasn’t great. Justin’s Picks correctly predicted two of the four PLL games, and struck out on the second WLL matchup. The debut of Joey Spallina sparked the Whipsnakes to two weekend wins, no adjustment time needed. Other rookies playing their first game in the PLL sparked big plays and high energy. We head into Week 4 looking to improve again. The record may not be pretty, but confidence remains high. After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Season Stats
PLL – 4-8
WLL – 0-2
Worst Prediction from Week 1:
The Waterdogs over the Chaos…Blaze Riorden looked like superman in net and CJ Kirst returning to the field did not equal a win.
Best Prediction from Week 1:
Outlaws over Atlas. The Atlas will rebound and have offensive weapons that can light it up, but the Outlaws struck hard and heavy.
Friday, June 5
Utah Archers vs. Carolina Chaos – 6:00 PM EDT
Winner: Carolina Chaos
I’m taking the Chaos in this matchup because Carolina finally seems to be finding its identity after a slow start to the season. The defense remains one of the most physical and disruptive units in the PLL, and when the Chaos are forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities, they become a very difficult team to beat. Utah has championship pedigree and plenty of veteran talent, but the Archers have been inconsistent through the first few weeks and have yet to recapture the dominant form that defined their title runs. Playing in front of a Carolina crowd should provide an extra boost, and with the Chaos opening a doubleheader weekend, I expect them to come out with plenty of energy. If Carolina can control the pace and turn this game into the kind of defensive battle it prefers, I like the Chaos to pull off the win and continue building momentum.
California Redwoods vs New York Atlas – 8:30 PM EDT
Winner: California Redwoods
I’m taking the Redwoods in what I expect to be one of the closest games of the weekend. California has looked like one of the most complete teams in the league through the first few weeks, playing disciplined defense, winning key possessions, and getting contributions from all over the field. The Atlas are still dangerous, especially with Connor Shellenberger capable of taking over a game at any moment, but life without Jeff Teat continues to put extra pressure on New York’s offense. The Redwoods have done an excellent job controlling tempo this season, and that could be the difference in a matchup where every possession matters. I expect the Atlas to keep it close behind their talent and competitiveness, but California feels slightly more balanced right now. In a game that could easily come down to the final few minutes, I’m giving the edge to the Redwoods.
Saturday, June 6
Boston Guard vs. California Palms – 1:00 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Guard
I’m taking the Boston Guard in this matchup because they have continued to look like one of the most complete teams in the WLL. Led by Charlotte North and a veteran-heavy core, Boston has shown the ability to win in a variety of ways, whether through explosive offensive runs or disciplined play in tight contests. The Palms have no shortage of star power and are capable of turning any game into a highlight reel, but consistency has been a challenge at times. Boston’s balance on both ends of the field gives them a slight advantage, especially in a matchup that could come down to execution in the fourth quarter. I expect California’s stars to make their share of big plays, but the Guard’s depth, experience, and ability to capitalize on mistakes should be enough to earn a hard-fought win.
Denver Outlaws vs. Carolina Chaos – 5:30 PM EDT
Winner: Denver Outlaws
I’m taking the Outlaws in this matchup because Denver appears to be hitting its stride at exactly the right time, and Brennan O’Neill is a huge reason why. After a quiet start to the season, O’Neill has looked more and more like the dominant offensive force that opposing defenses fear, consistently creating scoring opportunities both as a shooter and a playmaker. The Chaos deserve credit for playing tough, physical lacrosse and opening the weekend with momentum, but facing Denver in the second game of a doubleheader is a difficult challenge. The Outlaws have found their offensive rhythm in recent weeks, and when O’Neill gets rolling, he has the ability to change a game in just a few possessions. Carolina’s defense will keep things competitive, but I think Denver’s firepower eventually wins out. If O’Neill stays hot, the Outlaws could leave Charlotte looking like one of the league’s hottest teams.
Boston Cannons vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs – 8:00 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
I’m taking the Waterdogs in this matchup because Philadelphia feels like a team on the verge of putting everything together. With another week of playing at full strength, the Waterdogs are finally getting the opportunity to build chemistry across an offense loaded with talent, and that continuity should only make them more dangerous. The Cannons, meanwhile, are still searching for a consistent offensive identity. Boston has plenty of individual playmakers, but the offense has struggled at times to find the rhythm and balance needed to consistently pressure top opponents. Philadelphia appears to be trending in the opposite direction, with multiple scoring threats emerging and the lineup beginning to settle into defined roles. If the Waterdogs can push the pace and capitalize on their growing chemistry, I think they have the advantage against a Boston team that is still trying to figure out exactly who it wants to be offensively.