Major League Lacrosse wrapped up another successful season just a few weeks ago, and it certainly was a season to remember. The two new expansion teams, the Charlotte Hounds and Ohio Machine, both saw success and fan dedication in their first season. The league tested the waters of a possible new expansion site by having the All-Star game in Boca Raton, Florida and announced next year’s will be in Charlotte, NC. The league also benefited by having multiple players land on Sports Center’s Top 10 plays throughout the season.
Neither the Charlotte Hounds nor the Ohio Machine made the playoffs in their debut year in the MLL, but both teams definitely witnessed success. The Hounds saw a city come alive with support; Charlotte fans came out and supported their Hounds every game during the season. The Hounds finished their season by knocking the Rochester Rattlers out of playoff contention. Ohio finished with just 2 wins and 12 losses, but saw much promise in their very young roster. Fans came out to support the youth that Ohio possesses, and the promise that they hold going into future seasons.
It’s no secret that Commissioner Gross would like to expand the league in 2014. His quest for expansion gained a huge edge when the All-Star game in Florida was a success. The success of the game gave league officials and members confidence that Florida may be a good spot to expand to in future years. The game drew a great crowd, fans were supportive, and most importantly the players put on a great game. Towards the end of the season, it was announced that the 2013 All-Star game would be hosted by the city of Charlotte, another bold move by the league. The league hopes to draw fans from new areas and increase awareness about the league and boost fans.
The Chesapeake Bayhawks were able to win their fourth MLL Championship this year over the Denver Outlaws. Thousands of fans drove and flew to Boston in order to watch the Bayhawks defeat the Boston Cannons and the Outlaws defeat the Long Island Lizards in route to a championship game appearance. Chesapeake’s leadership and veterans were able to put together a complete game and win their championship rather easily, by a score of 16 to 6.
Major League Lacrosse has a lot to look forward going into the next season. Fans are growing every day, and more and more people are hearing about the league. There’s a great group of NCAA players coming up into the draft next year that are sure to bring even more excitement to the league and the veteran players will continue to grow and provide the league with exciting plays and incredible games. The league will continue to grow during the offseason, and having this successful season under their belts will surely help bring better and brighter things in the coming years.
