Over the past couple of years, no matchup in the PLL has delivered more drama, heartbreak and edge-of-your-seat moments than Boston vs. Philly.
It began in brutal fashion for the Cannons. In the 2023 quarterfinals, the Waterdogs suffocated what had been the league’s most electric offense. Philadelphia’s defense held Boston to a season-low six goals — its worst output of the year. It was no coincidence that the shutout came with a hyper-focus on Asher Nolting. Nolting had no answer for Ben Randall, and thus, the facilitator of Boston’s offense found himself closed off.
The 12–6 loss knocked the Cannons out of the Cash App Playoffs and raised serious questions about whether their high-caliber attack could deliver in big moments. But that loss didn’t break them. It lit a fire.
The two teams met again in February 2024 under very different circumstances: this time, in the title game of the Lexus Championship Series. In a fast-paced Sixes format, the Cannons found themselves trailing late once again. But they refused to let it slip away, especially not to these guys.
With just seconds left in overtime, Matt Kavanagh buried the game-winner, sealing a comeback victory and the first major trophy for this iteration of the Boston Cannons. From heartbreak to hardware, the Cannons got a taste of revenge. But as is tradition with Boston versus Philadelphia, this was only the start of the rivalry.
At the start of the 2024 season, both teams had their first game against one another circled on the calendar. The Waterdogs didn’t forget how the Champ Series ended, and neither did the Cannons — it was a test of superiority.
Their third clash came on Waterdogs’ home turf at Villanova. After losing their first game of the Homecoming Weekend doubleheader, they were as thirsty as ever for the win.
In true Cannons-Waterdogs fashion, it was another slugfest: a low-scoring, physical chess match that needed overtime to settle. Philly’s defense had done well to neutralize Marcus Holman and limit second chances, but Boston’s own unit, led by Colin Kirst and a disciplined defensive core, held firm under pressure.
In overtime, possession was everything. With the faceoff deadlocked for much of the game, it was Zac Tucci who finally gave Boston the edge, cleanly winning the draw in extra time. Instead of handing the ball off, the faceoff specialist took matters into his own hands in his first game against his former team. He sprinted downfield, caught Philly flat-footed in transition and buried the game-winner just 11 seconds into the period. It was a shocking and defining moment for the Cannons, who showed they reigned supreme once again.
In just three games, these two teams have flipped the script on each other multiple times. From postseason upsets to championship redemption and overtime thrillers, the Cannons-Waterdogs rivalry has quickly become one of the best in professional lacrosse.
As they gear up for another meeting on Friday night at Villanova, one thing is clear: it will be must-watch lacrosse.
The Cannons are touted as arguably the best team in the league — but their playoff record is a glaring mark that the Waterdogs hold over them. How much should Cannons fans buy into the team’s 2-0 start?
On the other hand, after an abysmal 2024 season, Philadelphia got off on the right foot this year, overwhelming the Maryland Whipsnakes to begin their 2025 campaign. Can Michael Sowers and Co. prove their impressive opener wasn’t a fluke?
No doubt, Friday night under the lights will be a test for both teams.
