The expansion Waterdogs looked to riding their revenge game narrative to a win in the club’s first-ever game.

Then the Atlas woke up.

The Waterdogs’ midfield vastly outplayed the Atlas middies in the first half, but once that unit picked up some of the slack, the tide turned. Chris Cloutier’s goal with 2:24 left in regulation gave Atlas an 11-10 win in a nationally broadcast game on NBC.

The Game Winner from @c_cloutier45 pic.twitter.com/nbAzwuL57A

— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 26, 2020

A late collapse allowed the Atlas to score six straight goals. Eric Law scored four goals, and in his first PLL contest, Rob Pannell tallied one goal and three assists. Jack Concannon made 14 saves.

Those on social media reacted to the thrilling final minutes of the last game of the opening weekend of the Championship Series. The Waterdogs had led 10-7 after three quarters but were shut out in the final period.

That was the best game of the weekend. @PLLAtlas @PLLWaterdogs @PremierLacrosse #lacrosse

— Brian Downs (@bdowns328) July 26, 2020

@PremierLacrosse these next few weeks are going to be thrilling.

— Gino Cammilleri (@Gino_LOE) July 26, 2020

This @PremierLacrosse right now between @PLLWaterdogs and @PLLWaterdogs is absolutely electric! pic.twitter.com/0w5c8Dmf2q

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) July 26, 2020

PLL STANDINGS

Atlas 1-0
Chrome 1-0
Whipsnakes 1-0
Archers 0-0
Chaos 0-1
Redwoods 0-1
Waterdogs 0-1

TOMORROW’S SCHEDULE
All Times Eastern

7 p.m. — Chaos vs. Redwoods, NBCSN
9:30 p.m. — Archers vs. Atlas, NBCSN