Vardaro, Kirst Provide Theatrics in Cannons' Semifinal Win Over Atlas

The Boston Cannons blasted their way to the PLL Championship Series title game with a flair for the dramatic.

The Cannons never led until overtime. They were down by as much as five to the New York Atlas. They even trailed by two with 9 seconds left, when a quick transition opportunity and an extra pass presented Alexander Vardaro with the opportunity to tie it from deep.

He did.

Boston then took the lead in overtime thanks to Ryan Drenner, and Colin Kirst made four of his 17 saves in the extra period, punching Boston’s ticket to Monday’s championship game with a 24-23 win.

Next up for Boston are the Utah Archers, who earned the No. 1 seed and a bye into the title game after the round robin portion of the tournament.

Matt Campbell led the Cannons with nine points (five one-point goals, one two-point goal and two assists). Myles Jones was the Atlas’ offensive catalyst. He finished with five goals and two assists, and the New York offense ran through the bruising midfielder during the late stages of the game.

The Cannons, who won the 2024 PLL Championship Series, look to repeat on Monday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.