The best defenders are the ones that don’t get recognized. Similar to an offensive lineman in football, if you do your job, it should be invisible because hopefully, they are shutting down the opposing attack. With hype for the MLL Championship expected to pick up later this week, let’s spend the down time looking at the league’s best least recognizable players.
RYAN FLANAGAN – Charlotte Hounds
Despite the disappointing season for Charlotte, Ryan Flanagan had an outstanding season. The Hounds allowed the most goals in the league, but several came as a result of feeds from the player Flanagan was covering. Charlotte only allowed five two-point goals this season, tied for second in the league—a testament to a defense held together by Flanagan that defended outside shots. Ultimately, it’s a team game, but Flanagan still deserves at least some recognition.
MICHAEL MANLEY – Rochester Rattlers
The reigning defensive player of the year, Michael Manley anchors a Rochester defense that has had its ups and downs. The Rattlers held four teams this season to single-digits but have also allowed 17 or more goals four times. Manley though has been the glue through it all and his experience has helped push Rochester to the title game.
JOE FLETCHER – New York
The Lizards have been the best team all season and their dominant offense is the reason why. But with that said, it takes two to tango, and the defense has held up their end of the bargain. The two go hand-in-hand as faceoff specialist Greg Gurenlian’s dominant performances have allowed the defense to stay fresh. Fletcher has taken advantage by helping to lead the league’s best defense, which has allowed just 167 goals in 15 games.
SCOTT RATLIFF – Boston
Ratliff had another fabulous season and while the Cannons’ year ended in devastating fashion against New York, he should still hold his head high. Boston allowed only seven man-up goals this season and Ratliff was right at the forefront of Boston’s defense. After losing Paul Rabil in the offseason, the Cannons’ defense had to pick up the slack for what was expected to be a lesser-powered offense. Though Boston allowed 183 goals, the penalty kill was phenomenal, which is why Ratliff lands on this list.
BRIAN KARALUNAS — Ohio
Karalunas had an eventful offseason, being shipped to Ohio from New York as a part of the Paul Rabil trade. He has paid off for the Machine in big ways, leading them to a playoff berth and their first ever home playoff game. The Machine had the third best goals against average in the league, behind just first place New York and the Chesapeake Bayhawks. His 48 ground balls were a career high (along with his four points) and he was eighth in the league in ground balls, excluding faceoff men.
