Major League Lacrosse is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020. Some of the best lacrosse players in the world have suited up in the league, and with careful consideration, we are revealing the top 20 players in league history over the next four days.
Today, we unveil Nos. 20-16. We will continue with five more players each day until we reveal the final five picks on Friday. Follow along and join in on the discussion on Twitter (@uslacrossemag).
Note: All-Star appearances include appearances with Team U.S.A. when the setup was the U.S. national team vs. MLL All-Stars.
MLL All-Time 20
20. Paul Cantabene
After six seasons in Major League Lacrosse, Cantabene retired as the league’s all-time leader in faceoff wins (1,015) and ground balls (538). He won three MLL championships, earned five All-Star nods and was named to the MLL All-Pro team twice.
19. Matt Abbott
One of the longest tenured active players (behind only John Grant Jr.), Abbott is known as one of the best two-way midfielders in the league. He is Chesapeake’s all-time leader in games played. Abbott has played in nine All-Star Games and won four MLL championships.
18. Matt Streibel
The midfielder was an MLL mainstay, playing in each of the first 15 seasons of the league. He won three championships with the Philadelphia Barrage and was named the 2007 championship game MVP. He set a record by playing in eight consecutive MLL All-Star Games.
17. Ryan Boyle
The 2004 rookie of the year and 2008 All-Star Game MVP won four MLL championships in his career, helping both the Philadelphia Barrage and Boston Cannons win their first championships in franchise history. He totaled 449 points in his career, including 271 assists.
16. Brian Spallina
Known as one of the toughest players in league history, Spallina is also the “King of the Ring” with an MLL-best seven league championships. The defender was a two-time All-Star.