CJ Kirst

Where does CJ Kirst fit into Waterdogs offense?

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The return of CJ Kirst might be the cherry on top for the Philadelphia Waterdogs to not only secure its first playoff berth under head coach Bill Tierney, but also make a deep run.

But the question on everyone’s mind is where and how the No. 1 overall draft pick should be used as he makes his PLL debut this Saturday in Fairfield against the Maryland Whipsnakes.

The answer, in this writer’s opinion? Run him out of the box.

While Kirst has the talent to line up virtually anywhere — attack, midfield, you name it — the smartest move as he returns from a wrist injury is to ease him in through a rotation-heavy midfield role.

Kirst’s strength, physicality and high lacrosse IQ make him a perfect fit to rotate in with the already dynamic midfield unit of Jack Hannah, Zach Currier, Thomas McConvey and Connor Kelly.

“We could certainly use his power, diversity and skills,” Tierney said. “He can dodge, feed, cut, shoot, move the ball on, ride, all those skills are going to make us better.”

This midfield group is already one of the most productive in the league, and inserting the 2025 Tewaaraton Award winner into that mix wouldn’t break the rhythm; it would add another layer to it.

During his rehab, Kirst focused on lower-body strength and speed, which should translate to explosive dodges and transition opportunities. More importantly, running him out of the box gives him built-in opportunities to rest and reset, helping manage any lingering effects from his injury while still allowing him to make a game-changing impact.

Why not place him at attack, you may ask? Well, for now, Philly’s starting attackers are thriving.

Jake Taylor is in the middle of a breakout rookie year with his lethal off-ball movement. Kieran McArdle remains a wizard around goal line extended. And then there’s Michael Sowers, the offensive engine of this team.

They’ve clicked and produced at a high level; there’s no need to tinker with a unit that ranks first in shooting percentage and second in total goals this season.

As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Kirst’s role as a rotating midfielder also presents a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If the long poles are tied up on Sowers, McArdle, Taylor and Hannah, that leaves a short stick on either Kirst, Currier, Kelly or McConvey — an advantage the Waterdogs will exploit every time.

Even if defenses try to adjust, someone’s going to get the mismatch. It’s pick-your-poison, and that’s a luxury very few teams have.

This is an unselfish, “we ball, not me ball” offense under assistant coach Dylan Sheridan that suits Kirst’s game. He can dodge, feed, ride, move without the ball and finish in traffic.

“Only CJ will determine how he’s played,” Tierney said. “How we play him, where we play him and how it fits right into what the team looks like right now.”

If all goes to plan, Kirst’s role will grow with each minute he’s on the field as the playoffs approach. For now, easing him onto the field is the best way to get the former Cornell star involved.

“He will determine he’s going to be a full-time attackman, come off the bench or a full-time middie by his play, and that could change as the games go on,” Tierney said.

Michael Bolger

Michael Bolger

Mike Bolger started covering lacrosse at the college level in Happy Valley. After four years on the Penn State beat, he stayed in Pennsylvania to cover the Philadelphia Waterdogs. Loves big hits and a Philly made cheesesteak.

Follow on X @MichealBolger