Lacrosse fans were treated to a high-octane thriller as the Utah Archers edged out the New York Atlas 23-20 in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Championship Series on Friday night. The electrifying matchup saw offensive fireworks light up the scoreboard at Commonwealth Stadium in Springfield, Virginia.
Archers’ Balanced Attack Overwhelms Atlas
The Archers showcased their depth and versatility on the offensive end, with Cole Williams leading the charge with a five-point performance. The dynamic attackman found the back of the net four times while also dishing out an assist. Mason Woodward proved to be a dangerous weapon from distance, burying two two-point goals as part of his four-point night.
Matt Moore also made his presence felt, contributing three points on a two-pointer and two single-point tallies. The Archers’ balanced attack kept the Atlas defense on their heels throughout the game, as six different Utah players recorded multiple points.
Costabile’s Herculean Effort Not Enough for Atlas
Despite the loss, Bryan Costabile delivered a performance for the ages for the Atlas. The dynamic midfielder tied an individual single-game PLL record with a staggering 12 points, pouring in six single-point goals and two two-pointers while also handing out two assists. Xander Dickson chipped in with three points on two goals and an assist, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Archers’ relentless attack.
Bryan was an absolute force out there tonight. It’s tough to come up short when a guy puts up those kinds of numbers, but credit to Utah for matching us punch for punch.
– New York Atlas Head Coach Mike Schnappel
Washuta Stands Tall in Goal for Utah
While the offenses stole the show, Utah goalie Nick Washuta came up big when it mattered most. The netminder turned aside 13 shots, including several critical stops down the stretch to preserve the Archers’ lead. His counterpart Liam Entenmann matched him save for save but couldn’t quite find the key stop to swing momentum in New York’s favor.
- Piper Bond added two goals for the Archers
- Beau Pederson tallied three points on a goal and two assists
PLL Championship Series Rolls On
With the win, the Archers improved to 2-0 in Championship Series play, while the Atlas fell to 1-1. The action continues on May 30 as New York looks to bounce back against the Carolina Chaos. Utah will aim to keep their unbeaten run alive when they clash with the Maryland Whipsnakes on May 31.
The Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series is delivering on its promise of world-class competition and heart-pounding excitement. As the top teams in the sport battle for supremacy, lacrosse fans are in for a treat as the drama unfolds on the field. With offensive showcases like the one put on by the Archers and Atlas, the PLL is proving once again why it’s the premier destination for lacrosse excellence.
