Margins are razor skinny after three weeks of the 2025 Premier Lacrosse League season. 4 groups are 2-1, whereas the opposite 4 are 1-2.
Forward of this weekend’s video games on the historic Homewood Area in Baltimore, listed here are my up to date energy rankings for the league.
1. Utah Archers
Present report: 2-1
Week 3 rating: 2
The Archers bounce right into a high spot after a 12-11 win over California final Friday. To the Redwoods’ credit score, they hung round for many the sport and took the two-time champs into deep water. However once more, Tom Schreiber was the hero for the Archers with three targets and two assists, together with the crew’s ultimate aim of the night time.
Utah nonetheless has a whole lot of work to do going ahead. Led by goalie Brett Dobson’s 63% save share, they’ve the No. 1 scoring protection within the PLL. However the crew is successful simply 38% of their faceoffs and their offense is not buzzing prefer it was in 2024. They’re gravely lacking the injured Tre LeClair within the decide sport, and their ball motion is stagnant with clogged skip lanes.
This weekend: Sunday, 12 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+) vs. the Outlaws
2. Philadelphia Waterdogs
Present report: 2-1
Week 3 rating: 4
After ending the 2024 season 2-8, the Waterdogs rapidly ascended into the higher echelon of the league after simply dealing with Boston in a 14-11 win. Philly could not carry that momentum over into Saturday night time, shedding 9-7 to the Outlaws. However the Waterdogs shot 7-of-34 that night time, which should not be a difficulty going ahead due to their star-studded offense.
Michael Sowers, Jake Taylor and Kieran McCardle are nightmares on the assault. Midfield dodgers Jack Hannah and Thomas McConvey drive groups into powerful slide choices. And after you throw in playmaker Connor Kelly (now being lined by a shorty), you’ll be able to perceive why I believe the Waterdogs have the very best offense within the league. They’ve shot a red-hot 32.5% this season, even with out No. 1 draft decide CJ Kirst (PUP) within the fold.
This weekend: Saturday, 4 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+) vs. the Waterdogs
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Denver Outlaws vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs: Recreation Highlights
Denver Outlaws vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs: Recreation Highlights
3. Boston Cannons
Present report: 2-1
Week 3 rating: 1
Boston had an opportunity at being the one undefeated crew within the league after final weekend, with a one-goal deficit coming into the second half in opposition to Philadelphia. However the Cannons scored solely as soon as within the third quarter, and Philly ran away with a 13-8 result in begin the fourth quarter.
Boston’s kingpins Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman had simply two factors apiece. And the crew’s protection had no solutions for Sowers (two targets, 5 assists) or McConvey (4 targets). The Cannons may have an opportunity to keep away from .500 in opposition to the hometown crew this weekend.
This weekend: Saturday, 7 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN+) vs. the Whipsnakes
4. Maryland Whipsnakes
Present report: 1-2
Week 3 rating: 5
Maryland had a gutsy win over the Atlas final weekend, diverting the trajectory of their season with a late rally. After trailing 12-8 with 9:56 left to play, the Whipsnakes executed an 8-0 run to complete the sport. Defenseman Tim Muller blanketed Xander Dickson all through the night time, whereas Matt Dunn held Jeff Teat to at least one level.
The Whipsnakes’ penalty-kill unit is the very best within the league, stopping 14 straight energy performs over the 2024 and 2025 calendar. Maryland is capturing at a regarding 24% price, however they will flip that round with back-to-back house video games this weekend.
This weekend: Saturday, 7 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPN+) vs. the Whipsnakes; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+) vs. the Chaos
5. California Redwoods
Present report: 2-1
Week 3 rating: 6
Like all of their video games this season, the Redwoods began gradual and have been compelled to climb again final weekend in opposition to Utah. However they fell quick, unable to internet a game-tying aim after Charlie Bertrand introduced them inside one rating with 5 minutes left.
For some opposing crew followers, the loss will really feel like validation. The Redwoods enter will return to the league play in two weekends on their house turf, with video games on June 27-28 in San Diego.
This weekend: Bye
6. New York Atlas
Present report: 1-2
Week 3 rating: 3
With the worst protection this season, New York is underachieving after three weeks. In opposition to Maryland, the Atlas blew a 6-0 lead, an 8-1 benefit and a 12-8 margin within the fourth quarter. They entered that sport coming off a bye week, which confirmed. It seemed like their legs went rubbery and like they have been respiratory fireplace.
New York’s epic collapse brought on the crew to drop this a lot in my rankings. They could not win faceoffs, floor balls or make stops when it mattered.
This weekend: Saturday, 4 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN+) vs. the Waterdogs
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Hugh Kelleher buries it for New York Atlas
Hugh Kelleher buries it for New York Atlas
7. Denver Outlaws
Present report: 1-2
Week 3 rating: 8
In his PLL debut, rookie goalie Logan McNaney helped the Outlaws enter the successful column with 14 saves in opposition to the Waterdogs. These stops, mixed with flawless passing and a few instinctual grounders across the crease, indicated McNaney’s sturdy arrival to the professionals. One other rookie star, Pat Kavanagh, scored a hat trick versus Philly, whereas former NFL extensive receiver Jared Bernhardt netted his first profession PLL aim.
Jake Piseno, Nick Grill and Ryan Terefenko additionally ran exhausting from protection to the offensive arc final weekend, which is an effective signal for the crew going ahead. Although the ultimate 9-7 consequence was unimpressive, it was an enormous step in the precise path for this crew.
This weekend: Sunday, 12 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+) vs. the Archers
8. Carolina Chaos
Present report: 1-2
Week 3 rating: 7
The Chaos are final within the league in two necessary classes: time of possession and faceoff share (33%). Fortunately for them, goalie Blaze Riorden has a 63% save share and pole Troy Reg leads all non-FOGOs with 15 floor balls. Carolina had a bye weekend in Philly and will get an additional day of relaxation earlier than going through Maryland.
This weekend: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+) vs. the Whipsnakes
