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
Chrome
2019 regular season record: 2-8 (score diff: -10)
Last seen: A 12-10 loss to Archers in the second round of the playoffs
Overview
Tim Soudan, hired in December as the Chrome head coach, already has a relationship with a handful of his new players, including Jesse Bernhardt, the No. 2 pick in the entry draft.
Losing Chris Sabia and Joe Fletcher prompted Soudan to load up on the defensive side, hence the additions of Bernhardt and Danny Moss. This team started 0-5 during a rough first season, but four of its eight losses were by one goal. Two more losses were by two goals.
Justin Guterding and Jordan Wolf, who finished third in points and assists respectively, fueled the league’s highest scoring offense in the regular season. The Chrome even topped the eventual champion Whipsnakes 20-16 in Week 8.
A prolific offense could transition well to the summer tournament format, and a defense that plays to its potential could mean success.
Losses
Chris Sabia (D), Joe Fletcher (D), Matt Tuttle (M)
Additions
Jesse Bernhardt (LSM), Donny Moss (D), Foster Huggins (D), James Barclay (D), Tim Soudan (head coach)
Burning question
Can the defense keep up with the offense and fuel a rebound?
The Chrome allowed a league-worst 137 goals in the regular season.
The PLL tends to cater to higher scores with its faster pacing, but the defense needs to be able to buckle down and limit opportunities. Bernhardt and Moss will help in that regard, even if losing Sabia (Waterdogs) and Fletcher (retirement) will sting.
Joel White is still on hand, and he was a veteran presence for the unit last season. He corralled 54 ground balls last season, helping keep some of the pressure off goalie John Galloway.