As Labor Day approaches, it signifies the unofficial end of summer, but for the four remaining teams in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), it marks the beginning of the most intense phase of the season. The Denver Outlaws and Boston Cannons have advanced to the semifinals after narrow victories in the quarterfinals, and they are now poised to challenge the top-seeded Utah Archers and Philadelphia Waterdogs for a chance at the championship.
The semifinals, taking place in Salt Lake City, present several key storylines and matchups that could determine the outcome of these pivotal games. Here are eight crucial aspects to keep an eye on as the action unfolds this weekend.
Denver Outlaws vs. Utah Archers (3 p.m. ET; ESPN2)
A major question for the Outlaws is how they will utilize Brennan O’Neill, who has been a focal point of their offense. After a regular season where they averaged 11.5 goals per game, Denver exploded for 15 goals in their quarterfinal matchup against California, largely due to the return of key players from injury. Pat Kavanagh and Jared Bernhardt, both activated from injured reserve, made significant contributions, with Kavanagh leading the team in points and assists, and Bernhardt scoring two crucial goals, including the game-winner.
With both Kavanagh and Bernhardt back in the lineup, the Outlaws have a wealth of offensive options to exploit against a Utah defense that has been formidable, allowing a league-low 9.4 goals per game. O’Neill’s ability to score has been noteworthy, as he has consistently found success against the Archers in previous matchups. The Outlaws may experiment with their lineup to find the best way to penetrate Utah's defense, potentially moving O’Neill around to create mismatches.
Another player to watch is Jake Taylor, who has made an immediate impact since joining the Outlaws. Taylor has averaged two points per game and recently showcased his scoring ability with a hat trick. His chemistry with Kavanagh, a former college teammate, could be pivotal for Denver's offensive strategy.
On the other side, the Archers are set to welcome back Tom Schreiber, an 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP, who has been activated from injured reserve. His return comes after a lengthy absence, and while his recent performance has raised questions, his leadership and experience could be invaluable in this high-stakes game. The Archers' defense, led by Brendan Lavelle, will also be crucial as they look to contain Denver's offensive threats.
Boston Cannons vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs (5:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
The Cannons face a daunting task in trying to contain the Waterdogs' dynamic duo of Michael Sowers and CJ Kirst. Sowers has been a scoring machine, leading the league in points, while Kirst recently broke the single-season goals record. Stopping these two players is essential for Boston's chances, and they may assign rookie Will Donovan to Sowers, utilizing his speed and agility to counter Sowers' quickness.
Boston's defense will also rely on Owen Grant to match up against Kirst, who has proven to be a significant challenge for opposing teams. The Cannons have shown they can win without key players scoring, as evidenced by their previous victories, but they will need Marcus Holman, their leading scorer, to step up in this crucial matchup against Philadelphia.
Both teams have seen impressive performances from their goalkeepers, with Philadelphia's Sean Byrne and Boston's JC Higginbotham both boasting undefeated records as starters. Their performances in this semifinal will be critical, as each team looks to capitalize on scoring opportunities while minimizing mistakes.
As the PLL semifinals approach, fans can expect thrilling matchups filled with high stakes and intense competition. The outcomes of these games will not only determine who advances to the championship but also showcase the talents of some of the league's best players.
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