Now that we know the Premier Lacrosse League’s plan for the summer — a 20-game, 16-day tournament without fans — it’s time to dissect each roster and see who could be favored in this unique format.
Through the end of next week, US Lacrosse Magazine will unveil previews for each of the seven lacrosse clubs. Check back each day to learn more about another team.
PLL Team Previews
Archers
Atlas
Chaos
Chrome
Redwoods
Waterdogs
Whipsnakes
Archers
2019 regular season record: 5-5 (score diff: 6)
Last seen: Throttled Atlas 25-7 in the First Draft Pick Game
Overview
Each of Archers’ five regular-season losses came by just one goal, and three happened in overtime. A four-game losing streak from June 15 to July 6 put Archers in hole that made it difficult to rebound. Still, there’s plenty to like with this club. Tom Schreiber was the Midfielder of the Year, while Will Manny and Marcus Holman remain two of the top offensive players in the world. Their defense also allowed the fewest goals in the regular season.
The Archers saved their most complete performance for last when they annihilated Atlas 25-7 to secure the first overall draft pick in the college draft. That game was held a couple hours before the championship contest. If the Archers can pull out a few more close games, don’t be surprised to see them in it at the end of this summer.
Losses
Christian Cuccinello (A), Ben McIntosh (M), Dan Eipp (M)
Additions
Eli Gobrecht (D), Christian Mazzone (M)
Burning question
Is Tom Schreiber 100 percent, and will he stay that way?
Schreiber played in 11 of his team’s 13 games, but missed the final two contests (the second round of the playoffs and the First Draft Pick Game) after he sustained shoulder injury in the final seconds of the first quarter of the Archers’ first-round matchup against the Redwoods. He also missed part of the 2020 NLL season due to injury and has continually battled an array of ailments in his professional career.
Clearly one of the best in the world when healthy, Archers need their captain to stay on the field if they want to advance past the first round.
Schreiber appeared on the most recent episode of “Overtime” with Paul Carcaterra. Give it a listen here.