Carolina Chaos 8, Boston Cannons 4

Hayden Lewis: Chaos’s stingy defense leads to quarterfinal win

Few things are scarier than the Chaos defense in September, and the unit reinforced the narrative on Monday.

In 48 minutes of action, the Chaos gave up four goals to the Cannons, the league’s top two-point scoring offense in the regular season. And the craziest part about the performance was Carolina did it without three-time first-team All-Pro defender Jack Rowlett, who was suspended for the game.

The @PLLChaos Effect: pic.twitter.com/Kj5SBPbt41

— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) September 2, 2024

Will Bowen was magnificent in the contest, limiting Asher Nolting to one point. Troy Reh was also massive in shutting down the Cannons offense, holding Marcus Holman scoreless on three shots.

“I’ll speak on those guys' behalf because I don’t think they get enough recognition,” Blaze Riorden said. “They shut down the most deadly duo.”

Playoff Riorden was also out in full effect. The Oren Lyons Goaltender of the Year finalist put together a 15-save performance (78.9%), taking the wind out of the Cannons' sail early and often. 

“All the credit goes to those guys,” Cannons head coach Brian Holman said. “I thought they played a great game [and] had a really good game plan.”

Chaos head coach Andy Towers was happy with the performance, but he and the team are still dialed in on the present. 

“I feel pretty good about the way our defense played,” Towers said. “I feel pretty good about the way our offense managed the game, and we’re not done yet.”

Carolina now advances to the Cash App Playoff semifinals. It'll face the defending champion Utah Archers this Saturday on Long Island.

Sarah Griffin: Cannons' worst scoring drought yet costs them in first-round exit

The Cannons' quest for the 2024 Cash App Championship ended in front of a home crowd at Gillette Stadium.

It was an emotional day highlighted by frustration from Boston’s offense. The Cannons’ leading duo of Nolting and Holman were held to only one point total, shooting a collective 1-for-11. 

Boston, like everyone else, knew it'd be running into a brick wall in the net against Riorden, who was excellent for Carolina. With the league’s best defense in front of him, even without the suspended Rowlett, the typically high-powered Boston offense was stagnant.

Brian Holman said while he felt his team held it together pretty well in the first half, the frustration caused their offense to unravel in the second half. 

“We got away from our game plan. ... you could see the frustration in the second half,” the Cannons coach said after the game.

In the regular season, the Chaos ranked last in the PLL in scores per game (10.0). The Cannons’ defense did its job, holding Carolina to just eight goals. Colin Kirst had yet another incredible game with 12 saves (60%). In the first half in particular, Boston’s netminder kept it close when his teammates weren’t able to capitalize on the offensive end. 

While a playoff loss always stings, the hometown crowd made Monday's that much more emotional for the Cannons.

“Boston fans are some of the best fans in the world. ... We let them down," Nolting said. "Next year, we’re going to give them better, and that’s a promise." 

Coach Holman has created a strong culture in the Cannons’ locker room. The loss obviously hurts, and it’ll hurt all offseason long. But knowing this group, you can guarantee they’re going to learn from this moment and come back even stronger in 2025.