Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: Harvard Stadium, Boston, MA
One of my favorite weekends of the PLL season is finally here—MLL Throwback Weekend. As the league pays tribute to the history of Major League Lacrosse with throwback uniforms and a celebration of the game’s roots, there’s still plenty to play for as teams jockey for playoff position heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Even better, I’ll be there in person all weekend cheering on my Boston Cannons as they take on two of the league’s toughest opponents. Between the nostalgia, the playoff race, and some outstanding matchups, this has all the ingredients for a memorable weekend. Let’s see if Justin’s Picks can keep the momentum rolling.
Season Stats
PLL – 17-24
WLL – 2-5
Worst Prediction from Week 10:
So much went wrong…but the Atlas crumbled against the Redwoods
Best Prediction from Week 10:
Philadelphia AGAIN!
Friday, August 7
Maryland Whipsnakes vs. Boston Cannons – 6:00 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Cannons
I’m taking the Cannons to open the weekend because I think they control the game where it matters most—at the faceoff dot. Winning possessions has been one of Boston’s biggest strengths, and I expect that advantage to give the offense extra opportunities against one of the league’s best teams. The Whipsnakes have been one of the most complete squads all season and won’t make anything easy, but I think the Cannons feed off the home crowd and capitalize on those additional possessions. If Boston can dominate the faceoff battle the way I expect, it will be the difference in a tightly contested game and set the tone for a huge weekend at home.
Carolina Chaos vs. Utah Archers – 8:30 PM EDT
Winner: Utah Archers
I’m taking the Archers because they’re playing some of their best lacrosse at exactly the right time. Utah has steadily improved over the second half of the season, finding the consistency that made them one of the preseason favorites. Carolina will make this a physical battle and Blaze Riorden is always capable of stealing a game with a spectacular performance in goal, but the Archers have simply been finding ways to win. Their balanced offense, disciplined defense, and championship experience have all started to click as the postseason approaches. I expect the Chaos to keep it close early, but Utah’s depth and composure will be the difference as the Archers continue their late-season surge.
Saturday, August 8
Denver Outlaws vs. New York Atlas – 1:00 PM EDT
Winner: Denver Outlaws
This is my toughest pick of the weekend because neither team has inspired complete confidence lately. Denver has dealt with injuries throughout the season, but it finally looks healthier than it did a few weeks ago, allowing Brennan O’Neill, Pat Kavanagh, Jared Bernhardt, and the rest of the Outlaws’ star-studded offense to get back into a rhythm. On the other side, the Atlas are still trying to recover from another frustrating loss, and while Connor Shellenberger is capable of taking over any game, New York hasn’t been able to consistently finish close contests without Jeff Teat in the lineup. I expect this one to be close from start to finish, but I’ll give the edge to Denver. Playing with a little more continuity and urgency, I think the Outlaws make just enough plays in the fourth quarter to come away with the win.
California Palms vs. Boston Guard – 5:30 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Guard
I’m taking the Guard to earn their first win of the season, and I can’t think of a better place for it to happen than in front of the home crowd in Boston. The Guard have been competitive throughout the year, but injuries and close losses have kept them from breaking through. With the regular season winding down, this feels like a team playing with pride and determination to finish strong. The Palms have shown they can score with anyone, so this won’t come easy, but I think the energy from the Boston fans gives the Guard the extra boost they need. Expect an emotional, hard-fought game, with the Guard finally celebrating their first victory of the season on their home field.
California Redwoods vs. Boston Cannons – 8:00 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Cannons
I’m going all in on the Cannons this weekend, and I think they cap it off with an offensive explosion against the Redwoods. Boston has already shown it can score with anyone this season, leading the league in offensive production, and I expect that firepower to be on full display in front of the home crowd. California has been one of the toughest teams in the PLL all year, but playing their second game of the weekend against a confident Cannons squad won’t be easy. If Boston controls the faceoff battle and gets into transition, this offense has the potential to put up a big number. I think the Cannons ride the momentum from Friday night’s win, put together their most complete offensive performance of the season, and head into the final weekend with back-to-back statement victories.