Major League Lacrosse’s championship weekend is right around the corner and some squads are already making moves. Teams were allowed only a 19 player roster throughout the season, but come this weekend, that number goes up to 20. Not much of a swelling, but that one extra man can make a huge difference for their team.
Chesapeake is the defending champs and have added rookie Kevin Cooper back on to their active roster. The Maryland graduate has only played in two games this season, but made an impact for his team. During his MLL debut against Ohio, Kevin put up four points with three goals and an assist. In their match versus Denver, Cooper registered only one assist. After these two games, the rookie was placed on the Injured Reserve list and has not played since. The rest and time off was good for Cooper, giving him time to heal and recuperate after suffering his injury. He will be going hard for Coach Cottle and the Bayhawks as they try to defend their title battling Hamilton.
Charlotte is the only other team to make a roster move prior to Championship Weekend. The Hounds placed 6’2″, 270 pound goaltender Mark Manos on their active roster today, making him, Adam Ghitelman and Sean Aaron as the three goaltenders competing for Saturdays start with Denver. Manos, a Drexel graduate and native of the Philadelphia area, got the starting nod for one game this season. This came against Denver, where the Outlaws took down the Hounds 20-15. Mark played the entire game, letting up all twenty goals, seeing 35 shots and made 15 saves.
Players will be moved quite frequently this week, with roster spots so fragile. Coaches will be looking for the players who fit their system and will leave everything on the field.
