When I took a step back to analyze the 2014 Major League Lacrosse season so far, I began to notice a trend. Although only eight games, scoring appeared lower than I would expect. That led me into some research which confirmed lack of scoring, or good defense, is in fact a reality.
Through eight games, teams are averaging 11.7 points per game compared to the 12.3 points per game over the first eight games last year. That’s a difference of 1.2 points per game (0.6 points per team). With 56 games in an MLL regular season, we’re on pace for approximately 67 fewer points in 2014 than 2013.
Maybe the shooters need to warm up, maybe it’s better goaltending or even a combination of both. Regardless of the reason, I urge fans to embrace defense in lacrosse. In this day and age, the emphasis is more and more on high-octane offenses. Which is more “sexy,” the University of Albany with the Thompson brothers who each have 100-plus points, or Maryland who leads the NCAA in defense while featuring a good, but not great, offense that ranks 16th? Most people would say Albany, but in reality, a defensive battle can be just as exciting (if not more exciting) than a run-and-gun shootout.
The Rochester Rattlers pulled out an 8-7 win over the Boston Cannons last Friday in a game that saw neither team reach 20 shots on goal—low numbers especially with a 60-second shot clock. Most teams reach 20 shots on goal while several teams get to 30. New York even reached 36 shots on goal in an 18-15 win over Rochester compared to 37 combined in that Boston at Rochester game.
I’m sure Major League Lacrosse officials envision more of an 18-15 final than 8-7 game when analyzing its product, but there’s no shame in lower scores and I urge you, the fan, to appreciate everything that a low-scoring battle has to offer.
When two strong defenses duke it out, every possession becomes that much more critical. Just think of basketball versus football. In basketball, if you go three possessions without scoring, it would (at most) put you down nine points and would only take a minute or two off the clock. In a 40-minute game (for college) and 48-minute game (in the NBA), teams have ample opportunities to make up not scoring on three possessions. However, going three possessions without scoring in football could take up an entire half which adds value to each possession.
Compare that to lacrosse. When teams are reaching 15 or even 20 points, some of the game’s drama is taken away. If your opponent scores to break a 15-15 tie, it’s not as meaningful because you know you’re going to win the ensuing faceoff and score. However, in a defensive battle, a 7-7 fourth-quarter tie becomes that much more dramatic. The goal that makes it 8-7 with three minutes to go is much more exciting and dramatic than a goal that makes it 16-15.
One low-scoring lacrosse game that comes to mind is Duke’s thrilling 6-5 overtime win over Notre Dame in the 2010 National Championship Game. Although only 11 combined goals were scored, the game featured as many twists and turns of a game with 25-plus goals. The drama of trying to solve strong defenses led to even more “edge of the seat” excitement. Will this be the possession that Duke breaks through? How about Notre Dame? Ultimately, C.J. Costabile (currently of the New York Lizards) sent the Blue Devils home winners in one of the most dramatic championship games ever played.
With defense comes little recognition. Defensemen can pick up groundballs and caused turnovers, but it’s not as flashy as scoring goals, dishing assists or making saves. These players work just as hard at honing their craft as midfielders and attackmen, so I urge fans to appreciate a strong defensive play as much as a strong offensive play. Appreciate a good double team that leads to a loose ball. Appreciate a good slide and recovery by a defensive unit. Appreciate a good stick check that forced an attackman’s shot to go wide. Those are plays that won’t appear in any box score, but save goals and lead to victories.
I love the high-scoring games too and there’s room in the sport for all types of games. But if you’re at an MLL game and were hoping to see 30-plus goals between the teams and instead, neither team reaches double figures, I urge you to not be disappointed. You are seeing great lacrosse, even if the scoreboard doesn’t light up. If you appreciate great defense, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, I promise.
