After beautiful fall season, followed by a brutally cold, snowy winter, spring has returned as well as the Major League Lacrosse season. The New York Lizards spent a lot of time dwelling on the struggles of the 2013 summer where they failed to reach the postseason with a 4-10 record. A lot of things did not go right for Joe Spallina’s squad. A lethargic offense that coughed up the ball more times than they scored. An exhausted defense that was unable to generate transition or play as a cohesive unit. Oh and their special teams were arguably the worst in the league. The root of the issue was chemistry issues. It is no surprise that management made that the main priority in the offseason to bring in locker room guys (who happen to be quality lacrosse players) to help. It seemed to come together during training camp as the majority of New York’s starters and roster attended camp this month. There is definitely a different vibe with the team as old faces, new bodies, and the young players are all competing for playing time. What is apparent is that the team looks determined. Each player seems to understand their role under Spallina’s new system.
ATTACK
Rob Pannell, the 2013 Rookie of the Year, returns to quarterback the offense. In only his second year he may be one of the toughest players to defend in the sport. Last year, he had to carry the offense at times, but too many times he tried isolation plays which resulted in more lost possessions than scoring attempts. That should not be an issue this year as the team has provided excellent talent to surround the Tewaarrton winner. The big catch this offseason was the acquisition of Ned Crotty from the Rochester Rattlers. The former Duke standout is an established MLL All-Star that can play down low to offset Pannell. Both could also play an effective two-man game. Joining them are finishers Tom Palasek and Pannell’s Big Red wingman Steve Mock. Both are easy to play with and can fight to get to the scoring areas.
MIDFIELD
Combined with the attack, the offense will be a scary and exciting unit so long as the chemistry is good. Having a 100 percent healthy Max Seibald is the best thing to happen to the Lizards entering training camp. He looks like his old self with his unlimited range and precision shooting on display. Gone is sniper Stephen Peyser, replaced by former Rattler Matt Streibel. The 13-year veteran will provide a long-range threat and is a great presence on and off the field. The third player on the first midfield will be JoJo Marasco. The biggest difference for him this year is confidence. He carried his strong play at the end of last summer into the Team USA Tryouts, which gave him even more confidence. Now he shows no fear in his one-on-one matchups and can dodge his way to the goal whether from up-top or inverted down low. It is hard to imagine that David Earl might be a second line midfielder but it is more likely he may flip back and forth. John Austin, Albert Maione, and Josh Offit can all provide secondary scoring.
The best faceoff man in the business, Greg Gurenlian, will now get some help with Jerry Ragonese backing him up. Both will likely be one of the best units in the league while managing The Faceoff Academy during their off-days.
Believe it or not, the defensive midfield got much better this year. The staples, Kevin and Mike Unterstein, return, along with CJ Costabile. Steve DeNapoli joins the cast through the Rochester trade with Crotty. The Long Island native is quick with good stick skills and footwork. He is a one-man clear. Keep an eye on Shammel Bratton who impressed his teammates with his two-way play. Expect New York to push the pace and create transition offense when they get the chance.
The Lizards received good news that longstick middie Tim Henderson is expected to return this summer, although his availability is unknown for now due to military obligations. The same goes for his former Army teammate Brendan Buckly. When (or if) both are in the line-up, they bring athleticism, physicality on matchups and groundballs to tip the balance in their team’s favor. For now, Steve Waldeck and Steve Holmes are the likely second options behind Costabile.
DEFENSE
Expect the backfield to be stronger this year. A new coordinator was brought in to improve schemes and unit cohesion. Kyle Hartzell, attained in a trade in the offseason with Boston, instantly becomes New York’s top defender. Brian Karalunas had a breakout year in 2013 and will likely be the number two cover guy. He is a good one-on-one defender with great stick skills and can convert caused turnovers into odd-man rushes. Waldeck had some inconsistencies in his first year in a Lizards uniform, but he provides quality play and is good at moving the ball. The sandpaper longpole Mike Skudin also returns for the potential third spot. Newcomers Tom Guadagnolo and Steve Dircks will provide depth.
Back between the pipes is Drew Adams. Sean Brady will be his back-up while Devon Willis made the practice squad.
PREDICTION
After watching this team throughout training camp, I am convinced this team will have a strong rebound this summer. With the majority of the team at training camp, that gives them a huge advantage over most teams in the early part of the season. Special teams should be better, especially the powerplay. They are not unbeatable. There will be bumps along the way, but this might be a special year for the Lizards. If they are cohesive on offense, move the ball through the midfield, and play consistent on both sides of the ball, you can expect to see them in Atlanta for the MLL Playoffs.
