PLL
This past PLL weekend delivered a thrilling mix of dominance, resurgence, and desperation as four games reshaped the trajectory of teams on both sides of the standings. The New York Atlas continued their red-hot streak, the Philadelphia Waterdogs flexed their offensive depth, the Boston Cannons searched for answers, and the Utah Archers faced a growing identity crisis. Here’s a breakdown of what went down — and what it all means.
Final: New York Atlas 17, Boston Cannons 11
Location: Chicago, IL
The New York Atlas are proving they might just be the most dangerous offensive team in the league right now. Coming off a strong stretch, they dismantled the Boston Cannons behind a career-best night from rookie phenom Connor Shellenberger, who tallied seven points (5G, 2A) and established himself as a rising star in the PLL.
Head coach Mike Pressler wasn’t surprised, telling Shellenberger pregame, “Tonight is your night.” Shellenberger delivered, easing pressure on Jeff Teat, who still notched five points (1G, 4A). Add in Xander Dickson’s three goals and the Atlas attack combined for a staggering 16 points — nearly matching Boston’s entire team output.
Faceoff specialist Trevor Baptiste continued to showcase why he’s among the league’s elite, winning 63% at the stripe and anchoring New York’s possession dominance. As Baptiste noted postgame, his success stems from a cohesive unit: “It takes a team to win the ball.”
Defensively, New York stifled Boston’s offense, limiting them to a 26.3% shooting percentage. Goalie Liam Entenmann posted 11 saves, and Gavin Adler caused three turnovers. But the breakout on the backline was rookie Michael Grace, who scored a two-pointer, added an assist, grabbed two ground balls, and continued his streak of impactful, multi-faceted performances.
🗓 Next for Atlas: vs. California Redwoods – July 18, 6:30 p.m. ET
Just weeks ago, the Boston Cannons looked like the team to beat in the East. That narrative is fading fast. Boston has now dropped back-to-back games, and Friday night’s defeat was particularly deflating. They trailed 6-2 after the first quarter and 11-3 by halftime in a game that felt out of reach early.
Coach Brian Holman took the blame, citing a lack of organization, particularly in transition — a known weakness for the team. “We got out-transitioned by Atlas,” he admitted. Though the settled offense showed signs of life late, with Asher Nolting (1G, 3A), Ryan Drenner, Matt Campbell, and Coulter Mackesy finding the net in the fourth, it was too late.
Campbell, in particular, remains a bright spot, continuing to stake his claim as one of the league’s top midfielders. Still, if Boston doesn’t correct its transition woes, its playoff hopes could quickly unravel.
🗓 Next for Cannons: vs. Denver Outlaws – July 19, 3 p.m. ET
Final: Philadelphia Waterdogs 16, Utah Archers 11
Location: Chicago, IL
The Philadelphia Waterdogs are beginning to look like a complete team. Their balanced offensive approach — a defining trait under the motto “We ball, not me ball” — overwhelmed the Archers on Saturday in a 16-11 win.
Nine different players scored, including six midfielders, in a game dominated by Philadelphia’s middle of the field. Second-year faceoff man Alec Stathakis was electric, winning a career-best 81.5% of faceoffs and helping launch a 9-0 run that buried Utah early.
Connor Kelly broke out with a four-point night (2G, 1T, 1A), while rookie LSM Ben Wayer added the team’s first two-pointer of the season and chipped in a career-high three points.
The night also marked a historic milestone for veteran Kieran McArdle, who tallied his 500th career point, joining the PLL’s elite.
On defense, the Waterdogs forced nine turnovers and allowed just four saves to be needed. Their seamless cohesion on both ends made this one of their most impressive performances of 2025.
🗓 Next for Waterdogs: vs. Maryland Whipsnakes – July 19, 8 p.m. ET
The Utah Archers’ once-feared offense has now gone flat. Despite a second-half spark from Sam King (4G), the Archers dropped their third straight game in a performance marred by droughts and inefficiency. A nearly 17-minute scoreless stretch in the first half allowed the Waterdogs to build an insurmountable lead.
Veterans Tom Schreiber, Grant Ament, and Connor Fields combined to go 0-for-12 shooting, a jarring stat for a trio once considered among the best in the league. Though Ament and Schreiber dished out three assists each, Utah never found the rhythm needed to respond to Philadelphia’s early barrage.
Coach Chris Bates was blunt about the team’s struggles: “We’ve got to find ways to win matchups… but it’s a vet group. We feel like we’re getting there little by little.”
Faceoff struggles compounded the issue. With Mike Sisselberger sidelined, newly signed Jake Naso won just 6-of-29 faceoffs (20.7%), giving the Waterdogs a three-and-a-half minute possession advantage — a death sentence for a team already struggling to score.
Defensively, Utah allowed 16 goals and consistently failed to contain Philly’s dynamic pick play and midfield movement. With a tough Western stretch ahead, next week’s game vs. Carolina Chaos could determine the direction of Utah’s season.
🗓 Next for Archers: vs. Carolina Chaos – July 18, 9 p.m. ET
As the second half of the season kicks off, every possession, every matchup, and every minute becomes magnified. The PLL’s margins are razor-thin — and right now, the Atlas and Waterdogs are making the most of theirs.
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