By Luke Savage
Waterdogs vs. Atlas
The opening game this weekend was arguably the most entertaining with a massive comeback and last-second goal by the Waterdogs to secure a win over the Atlas. Starting the game down six goals and finishing the first half down four goals, the Waterdogs were able to rattle off goals in the third and fourth quarters to make it close. The game ended with Connor Kelly scoring a two-pointer with 58 seconds left to tie the game and then finishing it off with 10 seconds left to secure the 19-18 win.
Connor Kelly finished the game with nine total points, which included three one-point goals and three two-point goals. Zach Currier also contributed with one goal and three assists. On the defensive side, LSM Ryland Rees and goalie Matt DeLuca each tallied four caused turnovers. The faceoff department for the Waterdgos was abysmal with James Reilly going four-for-16 and defender Eli Gobrecht going two-for-20. Both goalies saw action in this game and played well. DeLuca stopped eight shots finishing with a 44.4 percent save percentage while Dillon Ward saved seven shots and finished with a 50 percent save percentage.
On the other side, the Atlas were led by multiple players on offense. Chris Gray finished this matchup with six total points that came from three one-point goals, a two-pointer, and one assist. Xander Dickson contributed with two one-point goals and three assists while Jeff Teat had a goal and four assists. The defense was led by Gavin Adler with two caused turnovers and a ground ball. Trevor Baptiste showed once again why he is one of the best FOGOs in the world, finishing this game 31-for-36 with 27 ground balls and one goal. Jack Concannon in goal stopped nine shots finishing with a 36 percent save percentage.
The Waterdogs moneyline cashed at +110 with the over of 24.5 hitting comfortably with 37 total goals being scored.
Chrome vs. Cannons
In an exciting game this weekend, the Cannons pulled off a thrilling 14-13 win over the Chrome. With just two minutes left, Matt Kavanagh came in clutch with a late goal, giving the Cannons a one-goal lead to secure their first win this season.
The Cannons’ offense was on fire, thanks to the duo of Marcus Holman and Asher Nolting. These guys were unstoppable, each putting up five points. Between them, they racked up seven goals and three assists, leading the charge and securing the victory for their team. Defensively, LSM Ethan Rall was an absolute beast — he caused one turnover and secured an impressive five ground balls, shutting down the Chrome’s offense and making life difficult for its shooters. In the faceoff department, Stephan Kelly faced a tough battle, going eight-for-27. In goal, Colin Kirst put on a solid performance for the Cannons, making 12 saves and finishing with a 48 percent save percentage.
On the opposite side, the Chrome’s offense was led by Logan Wisnauskas, who put up three goals and dished out one assist. Defensively, Nick Grill and Justin Anderson were forces to be reckoned with, causing two turnovers each, and Grill picked up one ground ball. Connor Farrell reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the best FOGOs in the league, dominating the faceoffs by going 21-for-29 and scooping up 15 ground balls. In goal, Sean Sconone was only able to stop five shots while letting up 14.
The Cannons came in this game as underdogs cashing their +135 moneyline while the over of 23.5 hit pretty comfortably as well.
Archers vs. Chaos
In the third game this weekend, the Chaos defeated the Archers 15-10. Led by Josh Byrne on offense who put up five goals and two assists, the Chaos were able to win this one with ease. On the defensive side, veteran Troy Reh had two caused turnovers with three ground balls while rookie Will Bowen had one caused turnover and three ground balls. FOGO Nick Rowlett did not perform well during the faceoff going nine-for-25 with six ground balls. Defender Jack Rowlett relieved Nick of his duties and finished the game two-for-three in faceoffs. Once again, Blaze Riorden proved he is the best goalie in the league finishing this matchup with 19 saves and a 65.5 percent save percentage.
For the Archers, there was not one player that stood out the most, but it was Matt Moore that finished with the most points that included one goal and two assists. Connor Fields and Tom Schreiber each contributed two goals as well. On the defensive side, Tom Schreiber, Connor Maher, Graeme Hossack, and Fields each caused one turnover and had seven combined ground balls. Rookie Mike Sisselberger continued to play well going 17-for-27 in faceoffs and scooping up 10 ground balls. Brett Dobson in the net also played well, but not good enough, stopping 12 shots while allowing 15.
The Chaos’ moneyline of +115 hit in this game while the over of 23.5 just hit with 25 goals scored.
Redwoods vs. Whipsnakes
The last game this weekend was a walk in the park for the Whipsnakes who defeated the Redwoods 18-11. Led by the duo of Will Manny and Matt Rambo, the Whipsnakes’ offense dominated the entire time. This duo combined for 13 total points that included eight goals and five assists. On the defensive side, Matthew Dunn and Tim Muller each caused two turnovers and picked up two ground balls. Petey LaSalla put up his worst numbers this season going nine-for-27 in faceoffs and only picking up three ground balls. In the goalie department, Kyle Bernlohr stopped 12 shots to help secure this comfortable win.
For the Redwoods, Ryder Garnsey continued his impressive start to the season finishing this game with six goals and two assists. The defense for the Redwoods did not perform well with only three caused turnovers all game from FOGO TD Ierlan, SSDM Isaiah Davis-Allen, and defender Owen Grant. Ierlan also contributed during the faceoff, finishing this game 20-for-29 with 11 ground balls. In the goal, veteran goalie Jack Kelly stopped 11 shots, finishing this game with a 42 percent save percentage.
The Whipsnakes covered their spread of -1.5 at +120 and over 23.5 comfortably hit with 29 goals scored.
Week 4 Schedule
Jul. 8-9, Eagan, MN, TCO Stadium
Sat, Jul 8 – 6 p.m. ET: Waterdogs vs. Chrome
Sat, Jul 8 – 8:30 p.m. ET: Cannons vs. Atlas
Sun, Jul 9 – 2 p.m. ET: Redwoods vs. Chaos – ESPN 2
Sun, Jul 9 – 4:30 p.m. ET: Whipsnakes vs. Archers
Updated PLL Championship 2023 Odds by FanDuel
Archers: +500
Atlas: +550
Redwoods: +550
Whipsnakes: +550
Waterdogs: +600
Chaos: +650
Chrome: +650
Cannons: +1300
Updated Top 5 PLL Regular Season MVP 2023 Odds By FanDuel
Jeff Teat (Atlas): +550
Tom Schreiber (Archers): +700
Ryder Garnsey (Redwoods): +1100
Trevor Baptsite (Atlas): +1300
Matt Rambo (Whipsnakes): +1300
Photo credit: Waterdogs Lacrosse Club’s Instagram
