Archers and Atlas wrapped up Week 8 of the Premier Lacrosse League season with playoff hopes on the line. Both standing at 3-4, this game was monumental in determining their chances at a playoff berth.
1. Jake Froccaro to Myles Jones
Every team in PLL seems to be moving towards initiating from the wings – especially with pairs. The Chaos’ wrinkle: Keeping a stretch shooter near the top of the arc.
1. Connor Fields vs. Tim Muller, Round 2
In their Week 1 matchup, the Whips trusted Tim Muller on an island against Connor Fields. They didn’t slide. If Fields beat Muller by himself, then he earned the goal. The Whips would live with that. Sliding to Fields (2G, 1A) leads to much scarier stepdown looks for Deemer Class (3G) and company.
Atlas and Redwoods kicked off Week 7 action as teams came together after a two-week break. More accurately, Atlas kicked off Week 7 action as the Redwoods were nowhere to be found to begin this contest.
1. Paul Rabil’s around the world dime
I heard this pass was No. 2 on SportsCenter Top 10. I’m not sure what the No. 1 play was, but I’m assuming that Andrew Benintendi must have leapt 37 feet high to rob a home run in front of the Green Monster. Anything less than that is certainly not greater than this.
1. Whipsnakes rollbacks
The Whipsnakes are loaded with two-handed midfielders who can get physical and roll to re-roll until they find their shot. Eventually, they will find their shot. It’s inevitable. Those unassisted shots down the alley or across the two-point arc are some of the least efficient on the field, though. The Atlas’ gambled on the Whipsnakes, well, whipping those shots wide.
A thunderstorm in the greater D.C. area saw the start of Saturday night’s Whipsnakes and Atlas matchup get pushed back by almost an hour. However, once the weather cleared up both teams were raring to go.
1. John Crawley inverting at X
Heading into their Friday night matchup with the Archers, the Atlas’ ball movement had been nonexistent. Their offense was settling for the first shot too often. Part of that is a byproduct of dodging from the midfield too much.
1. Blaze Riorden sparking transition with clean saves
Chaos LC goalie Blaze Riorden made a ridiculous 21 saves against the Archers LC. Several of those saves were made cleanly, which is the worst possible outcome for a shooter.
Neither Chrome LC or Atlas LC wanted to go 0-3 on a national stage. With both rosters filled with some of the greatest to ever play the game, it was going to be a fight to the finish to maintain a reputation.