From the historic confines of Homewood Field, the PLL now moves to the Mecca of lacrosse for Week 4 – Long Island – and will showcase one of the most highly anticipated games of the regular season: Whipsnakes versus Archers.
PLL WEEK 4 PREVIEW: Whipsnakes vs Archers, Part I
Archers (3-0) vs. Chrome (1-2) – Friday, July 2 at 7 p.m. EST (Peacock)
An already tough weekend will be tougher for the Archers as the Chrome are coming off a huge win last week. Things seemed to come together for the Chrome, and they are a team that’s getting better every passing week.
But Chrome have its hands full with what many people think is the most dynamic offense in the league. The challenge will be who the Chrome slide to and how they play the off-ball threats. John Galloway and the Chrome defense had a monster game last week, and if they can continue to play at that level, they have a good shot at an upset two weeks in a row.
Redwoods (2-2) vs. Waterdogs (2-2) – Saturday, July 3 at 12 p.m. EST (NBC, Peacock)
Two very balanced teams will be looking for a bounce-back win in this game: both are coming off losses and will have something to prove. The Redwoods look to have the upper hand on paper, and the Waterdogs will have to figure out how they will play a resurgent Rob Pannell. He’s leading the team in goals and assists, and his balanced scoring makes it tough to put together a defensive game plan.
Waterdogs has shown a lot of promise, but for it to be successful this weekend, it will need to play strong in front of Dillon Ward and give him an opportunity to get settled in to have a strong game.
Cannons (1-3) vs. Chaos (1-3) – Saturday, July 3 at 3 p.m. EST (NBCSN, Peacock)
This contest will have lots of offensive fireworks. Both the Cannons and Chaos have two of the most dynamic players in the league in Lyle Thompson and Josh Byrne, so set your DVRs, because it’s likely there will be some highlight-reel goals.
Lyle demands attention anytime he gets the ball, so how the Chaos play defense off ball will be a really important factor in whether or not they are successful this weekend. He’s a proven scorer and has had success with his 1v1 matchups, but where he can really disrupt defenses is his first assists and hockey assists. If the Chaos can create chaos and win the middle of the field, they have a good chance at staying in this one.
Whipsnakes (3-1) vs. Archers (3-0) – Sunday, July 4 at 12:30 p.m. EST (NBCSN, Peacock)
This is the game people have been talking about since Week 1. It’s the defending- champion Whipsnakes versus the Archers and the PLL’s most explosive offense. This should be a game that each team is playing fresh, but the schedule certainly favors the Whips; they will be playing an Archers team competing in its second game in three days. The Whipsnakes shooters will have their hands full against the early favorite for Goalie of the Year in Adam Ghitelman.
The key here will be each team’s ability to defend with their short sticks. Both squads have weapons all over the field and will look to cause matchup issues for each side. In a game like this, it’s the little things that will be the deciding factor.
Chrome (1-2) vs. Atlas (2-2) – Sunday, July 4 at 3:15 p.m. EST (Peacock)
The final game of the weekend features an Atlas team that looks like it’s hitting its stride with Jeff Teat in the lineup. Anyone who doubted his ability was quickly made to look a fool as he clearly showed that he can be a difference maker in the pro game. He adds another dimension to the Atlas that will make it difficult for teams to defend moving forward.
Expect a goalie battle between Jack Concannon and John Galloway. Both netminders have put together strong performances in the last two weeks, and this one will come down to which team can make the least mistakes.
There should be a solid crowd at Shuart Stadium all weekend. It’s been home to many classic lacrosse weekends and should have some great lacrosse action on the Fourth of July Weekend.
Big shoutout to the NapTown Champion Legacy Taz 2024! Keep up the good work!
