Overview: Towson had a season to remember in 2015. Their most successful since their Final Four run in 2001. They return a host of players that will enable them to build upon last year’s success instead of rebuilding. Back are key pieces like Joe Seider (A), Tyler White (G), Spencer Parks (A/M), Tyler Mayes (LSM), and Mike Lowe (D). With this many pieces back for Coach Nadelen, the Tigers look to advance deeper into the NCAA Tournament. Last year, the Tigers came within a late flurry of defeating favorite Notre Dame to advance deeper into May. A 12-10 defeat at the hands of the Fighting Irish have the Tigers primed and ready for success.
Strengths: Defense—Towson wins difficult contests. Towson knows how to win tight ball games with little scoring. The defense has the ability to keep teams in difficult scoring situations, which will always help redshirt senior Tyler White in goal. White is a big goalie and has proven to be the capable backbone to the Tigers defense. He will be asked for even more this season if the Tigers want to continue with last season’s success into the NCAA Tournament game against Notre Dame.
Weaknesses: Scoring—Towson has had the ability to win games, but never by much. Their offense only accounted for 8.6 goals per game, while the defense gave up 7.7. That means game in and game out, Towson is always in a dogfight until the final whistle. They scored double digits just seven times, only once getting past 11 goals. For the Tigers to win more, they need to score more. Simply put, the Tigers need to get their offense moving with more efficiency and capability to reach the next tier in Division I lacrosse.
Top Returnee: The CAA Tournament Most Outstand Player and key returnee for the Tigers is attackman Joe Seider. Entering his junior season, he has been a starter since his earliest games at Towson. He led the team in shots and scored a goal in all but one game last season. Towson felt as though they had Notre Dame on the ropes last May, so having offensive weapons like Seider will go far for the Tigers in 2016.
Breakthrough Player: Attackman Dylan Kinnear comes to Towson from Ohio State. All indications are that he has performed well in practice and added greatly to Towson’s offensive capabilities. His goal scoring touch can be used right away in helping Towson’s offense raise in rank during the 2016 season.
Freshman Jonathan Mazza also has impressed the coaching staff in the fall practice season. He could have potential to earn important minutes for the Tigers as they hope to return to the postseason. His presence in the midfield can also provide for the attack getting space to get to the goal.
