Exciting weekend of pro lacrosse in state
Three contests decided by two of fewer goals, attendance which “beat expectations,” and a dramatic finale with a local player scoring a game-winning goal in overtime highlighted the Premier Lacrosse League’s first trip to Connecticut this weekend.
The PLL, which uses a tour-based format with different cities hosting four games each weekend, had in March named Rafferty Stadium at Fairfield University one of its destinations for the 2022 seasons, citing the area’s “rich history” with lacrosse.as well as several local stars.
One of those players, Easton’s Connor Kelly of the Waterdogs, provided one of the weekend’s biggest moments when he scored the tying goal with 35 seconds remaining in regulation, and the winner in overtime for an 11-10 victory over the Chrome.
PLL co-founder and CEO Michael Rabil said Saturday’s twinbill featured a sellout crowd, but the heat may have affected turnout on Sunday.
“The PLL’s stop in Fairfield
was a 360 degree success,” Rabil said. “After a sold out Saturday, the heat kept some ticket-buyers at home on Sunday, but the fans in the stands were loud and proud, and were a big part of the hometown hero Connor Kelly ending the weekend with a game winner.”
Saturday’s early game had the Redwoods (2-4) beating the Atlas (4-2) 16-13. Each team had a local defenseman: Darien’s Arden Cohen on the Redwoods and Ridgefield’s Peter Dearth on the Atlas.
In the late game on Saturday, the Whipsnakes (5-1) edged the Chaos (1-5) 14-12. The Chaos is coached by New Canaan’s Andy Towers, with New Fairfield’s CJ Costabile as a long stick defensive middie. Costabile scored a goal, had two groundballs, and was 2for-3 on faceoffs.
On Sunday, the Archers (4–2) defeated the Cannons (1-5) 17-12, before Kelly led the Waterdogs to victory in the evening game.
“This success always starts with the product on the field and having three of our four games decided by two points or fewer was the recipe for an incredibly
competitive weekend,” Rabil said. “The facilities provided by the university were pristine, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity
to use them.”