As the Boston Cannons prepare for their quarterfinal matchup against the Carolina Chaos, one question in particular looms: Who will start on attack alongside the deadly one-two punch of Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman? 

With several options at their disposal, Cannons offensive coordinator Jim Mitchell and the rest of the staff aren’t just looking for the prototypical lefty attackman. It’s a balance of experience, versatility, chemistry and most importantly, putting the best player on the field. 

“We try to maximize the strengths of our offense both individually and collectively,” Mitchell explained. “We have a very free-flowing style offense so who we play at attack is based around all different kinds of principles. Guys’ decision-making, spacing and matchups, and also just playing off each other organically.”

“This year with guys coming in and out of the lineup, as we head into the playoffs, we want to make sure we’re reinforcing our strengths with the chemistry between that duo [of Nolting and Holman]. … We’re trying to put our most dynamic player on the field.”

With four players who have played at lefty attack at one point or another for the Cannons and one waiting for his turn from the wings, Boston is spoiled with a wealth of offensive riches. Each one brings something different to the table. 

The Dynamic…Midfielder?: Pat Kavanagh

Kavanagh missed nearly half of the regular season due to an injury, and since his return, Mitchell and the Cannons mainly played him at his natural position until their final regular-season game in Salt Lake City versus the Chaos. 

The most prolific player in Notre Dame lacrosse history, Kavanagh ran the show for the Irish’s offense as their quarterback on attack. There was never any concern at the collegiate level about how he fit into Notre Dame’s system because the system was built around his creativity and versatility. 

Of course, Kavanagh knew when he was drafted sixth overall by Boston in May he wasn’t taken to be their quarterback. Nolting fulfills that role for the Cannons, and as a finalist for the Jim Brown Most Valuable Player and the Eamon McEneaney Attackman of the Year awards, he does so well. 

While Pat could theoretically slot into the lefty attack spot for the quarterfinals, Mitchell seemed more inclined to let him operate from the midfield, where he’s more likely to draw a short stick and better able to support Nolting as a facilitator.

Pat’s explosive speed and ambidextrous dodging ability make him a force to be reckoned with coming out of the box. 

“He’s a dynamic threat there,” Mitchell said. “He can still be the versatile player that he was as an attackman in college, but now he can do that as a midfielder. He can invert from below the cage and play that kind of attackman role coming through the midfield.”

Many were surprised when the Cannons swapped Matt Campbell for Kavanagh at lefty attack in the regular-season finale, but Mitchell said internally, the decision made the most sense.

“We want to have him at his best and feel his best,” he remarked. “We felt putting Pat back on the midfield allowed us our greatest strength offensively.”

Mitchell added Kavanagh himself said he felt most confident this season when coming out of the box. 

Though Mitchell and the rest of the Cannons coaching staff do believe the 24-year-old is close to making a breakthrough at attack as a pro, when it comes to the playoffs, especially against the league’s best defense in the Chaos, you want all your guys playing their best where they’re at their best – regardless of where that may be. 

The Hybrid: Matt Campbell

Campbell offers a blend of midfield and attack capabilities, making him a flexible option for Boston. 

We saw Campbell make his debut at attack in Salt Lake City, and while many were thrown off guard, Mitchell mentioned the ambidextrous range shooter began his collegiate career at Villanova as an attackman before moving to the midfield. 

“What we ask him to do on attack is really not a whole lot different than what we ask him to do in the midfield,” Michell stated. “It’s just a different thing with where you are in the field when the offense starts.”

Although he’s more comfortable operating as a midfielder, Campbell’s ability to play with both hands allows him to fulfill the lefty role if needed. Other than that, he’s still the same outside shooter who can stretch a defense. His presence on the field, regardless of position, is designed to make defenders uncomfortable and create scoring opportunities.

My only major hesitation in the case for Campbell on attack versus the Chaos is his stat line from Salt Lake City. It was only the second game all season in which Campbell was held scoreless (shot 0-for-4). Boston still pulled off the win in overtime, but as one of the most instrumental players to the Cannons’ offense, you want to set Campbell up for success the best way you can. 

The Long-Range Threat: Chris Aslanian

Aslanian, like Campbell, is another player who primarily plays from the midfield for the Cannons but could step into the attack. 

Aslanian’s time as an attackman both at Hobart, where he was the program’s all-time Division I leading scorer, and in the early years of his pro career in the MLL with Denver Outlaws helped mold him into the versatile midfielder he is today for Boston. 

Mitchell said Aslanian’s two-point range and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset, especially in a system that emphasizes flexibility and playing off one another. Aslanian provides stability and facilitates ball movement, which could be critical against a versatile Chaos defense.

“He and Matt Campbell both have two-point range, so having that on the field all the time gives us some flexibility,” Mitchell explained. “If we want to run Campbell out of the box, we can use Chris on attack, and if we want to run Chris out of the box and draw short sticks, we can have Campbell down there.”

The Veteran Lefty: Matt Kavanagh

Matt Kavanagh is the most traditional lefty attackman out of the group, and the most experienced operating in that role with this specific offense. 

However, his recent exclusion from the roster raises questions about his current form. While Mitchell didn’t explicitly critique Matt’s productivity, the veteran’s absence from recent lineups suggests the team has been testing the waters looking for a spark elsewhere. 

Despite this, the elder Kavanagh's experience and familiarity with the position could still make him a valuable asset in a high-stakes playoff setting. After all, the guy is known for getting it done in the big moments. Battle-tested at every level, while he might not have had the season he wanted for himself, in every game after being healthy scratched we’ve seen the 31-year-old give a vintage “Clutch Kavanagh” performance. 

The Wild Card: Will Manny

While Manny is an experienced lefty attackman, his lack of game time with the Cannons this season makes him an unlikely candidate for the starting role. Signed just last month, Manny has yet to integrate fully into the team’s offensive scheme. Despite his experience and chemistry with Holman, the Cannons are unlikely to take a chance on a player who hasn’t seen the field in their system.

Still, he’s another seasoned lefty attackman, and he’s been patiently waiting for his chance to play. He practiced with the team in Salt Lake City. Though I don’t see it happening, it certainly would be a curveball for the Chaos defense and a treat for the home crowd.  

The decision ahead

Mitchell and the Cannons have a challenging decision ahead. As they weigh their options, it’s clear that the choice of the third attackman will hinge on a balance between reinforcing the team’s existing strengths and adapting to the unique demands of playoff lacrosse.

“We want our best players on the field, and we want to be mindful of what we look like when we’re at our best,” Mitchell said, underscoring the importance of selecting a player who can maximize the team’s offensive potential. 

Whether that means trusting the veteran experience of Matt Kavanagh, leveraging the versatility of Pat Kavanagh, or opting for the hybrid skills of Campbell or Aslanian, the Cannons are focused on finding the right fit to complement Nolting and Holman as they aim for postseason success.

With the Chaos boasting a formidable defense, the Cannons need their chosen lefty attackman to execute their free-flowing, organic offensive style. The decision will not only shape the outcome of their quarterfinal matchup, but could also define their playoff run as a whole.