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

Chaos

2019 regular season record: 7-3 (score diff: 1)
Last seen: Fell 12-7 to the Redwoods in Round 2 of the playoffs after being outscored 6-1 in the second half 

Overview

While the Chaos secured the No. 1 overall playoff seed on the back of an exhilarating transition offense and a heavy dose of Connor Fields magic, the team slowed down towards the end of the season. The Chaos only averaged 7.3 goals in their final three games — all losses.

At times it looked like they were waiting for Fields to pull off something spectacular once again. The Bomb Squad, named for the players who scored two-point goals, failed to explode down the stretch. The Chaos registered only a single two-pointer in their last four games.

Defensive player of the year Jarrod Neumann, who also won the league’s fastest shot competition, will have to take on more of a leadership role with the departure of Brodie Merrill. Second year pros Jack Rowlett and Johnny Surdick will also be relied on more to solidify the defense.

“I think we’ve got the longest, youngest, most athletic, angriest, most competitive defensive group in the whole league,” head coach Andy Towers said in a video interview that was posted on the league’s social media accounts in March. “I can’t wait to see them play together as a unit.”  

Losses

Brodie Merrill (D), Charlie Cipriano (G), Kyle McClancy (M), Myles Jones (M)

Additions

Dillon Ward (G), Jason Noble (D), Sergio Salcido (M)

Burning question
Will the Chaos' goalie situation be chaotic?

Last May at IMG Academy, Towers said that the margin between Blaze Riorden and Charlie Cipriano was “razor thin.” He might have another difficult decision this spring.

While Riorden led the league in saves last summer and was named goalie of the year, Towers brought in some insurance after Andy Copelan took Cipriano with the fourth pick in the expansion draft. The Chaos selected Ward, formerly of the MLL’s Denver Outlaws, with the seventh overall pick in the entry draft.

Ward was named the tournament MVP of the 2014 World Lacrosse Championship where he and Team Canada won the gold.