While the MLL season is just starting, the NCAA season is starting to wind down with the start of the NCAA Tournament. Many teams have not made it and some were just eliminated. With graduations occurring and the college players moving on to the next stages of their career, some players have started their rookie seasons in the MLL. Who are they and how big of an impact did they make this week for their respective teams?
John LoCascio, LSM/D, Rochester Rattlers
LoCascio made his MLL debut in the Rattlers rivalry game against the New York Lizards. LoCascio was part of a defense that held the Lizards star studded offense to nine goals. LoCascio scooped up two ground balls and had a shot on cage. LoCascio should bolster a defense that has some pretty good players in its own right in front of Team USA goalie John Galloway.
LoCascio should be a takeaway guy and play most of his time up top. Based on his play this season, he could have a similar impact the way that Mason Poli did for the Charlotte Hounds last season. He can be a threat in between the lines after scoring 18 points his senior season for the Villanova Wildcats.
Tom Schreiber, M, Ohio Machine
The best midfielder in the nation takes his talents to Ohio and teams up with fellow No. 1 pick Peter Baum and a pretty food midfield unit. It will be exciting to see Schreiber, Harrison and Baum work together on the first midfield unit as thye get more practice time together.
In his first game of the his MLL career, Schreiber flashed his dominant characteristics as matchup nightmare as he scored a goal and handed out an assist as well. He also had two ground balls in a one goal loss to the Florida Launch.
Kieran McArdle, A, St. Johns
After racking up 79 points in his senior season for the Red Storm, McArdle headed to the Launch and helped them to a one goal victory over the Ohio Machine. He had a goal and an assist in the game and should fit in nicely with Garrett Thul, Kevin Cunningham and Casey Powell on the attack line. He has the versatility to play both on and off ball and should learn a lot by playing with one of the best lacrosse players ever in Casey Powell.
The list is short but the number of players who contribute this season will only increase as more teams are eliminated and graduations occur. Check back next week to see what other players will make their MLL debuts.
