ML report. I saw them play Freedom last weekend. Talent wise I think they are as good as any team in the DMV (I would say Crabs and Hawks are better as is usually the case with Baltimore teams) the Xfactor is coaching - sloppy box management and relentless yelling by the coach cost that team at least four points. At one point during the game (and possibly more (I wasn’t watching that closely) ml had a short stick and a long stick stuck in the box for at least 20 seconds which created a double man down situation. Adding to that chaos the coach was constantly directing the players which was distracting at best.
On the plus side most of the players were good sized, quick with excellent stick skills. Long poles and midfielders were more than competent. The goalie was directing the defense and made some good saves (although I thought he had some problems with low shots- again I didn’t see enough to make a realy informed judgement) there was talk on the sideline about a strong attack I thought they were good but shooting needs work. But easily fixable. Also one of thier attack turned the ball over several times (probably new to the team and just needs to get comfortable)
All in all, a team with potential I’m looking forward to watching my son play them this weekend.
nice informative post
What/where are the events this weekend for the local 2028 teams?
Bmore Bloom at Troy Park:
Hawks play Leading Edge and Chain Bridge All Stars
Crabs play Madlax, Chain Bridge All Stars, and Leading Edge
Leading Edge plays Chain Bridge, Hawks, and Madlax
Nobody seems to know who Chain Bridge is… but they’re running into a buzz saw
Some very good 2028 action at Troy Park today. Scores:
Hawks 10-7 over Chain Bridge All Stars Crabs 7-4 over Madlax Leading Edge 10-6 over Chain Bridge All Stars Hawks 9-8 over Leading Edge Leading Edge 10-6 over Madlax Chain Bridge All Stars 9-6 over Crabs
Takeaways: Hawks and Leading Edge are two of the top teams in the nation. Perhaps the best two “non national” teams. Not sure who is better than those two… they play so well together, they’re well coached, and they have a bunch of great players throughout the roster. Was a fantastic game that was tied with .30 left when the slick Leftie Attack from Hawks won it late.
Crabs— way, way overhyped. Long way to go. Seemed disoriented, but they have some studs for sure. Will likely improve a lot through spring. BT I think their lace in HoCo to 4 is at serious risk.
Madlax— bringing in a bunch of flyins, they will compete if they don’t kiss their flights. A very good FOGO and big 47 is still effective. If it’s true that he’s one foot out the door— they’re a B team. He scored 3 of their 4 goals and wasted on the other one.
Chain Bridge All Stars— loaded with DC Express kids and a handful of Next Level kids. They were getting better as the day wore on, and they killed the Crabs in their last game. A parent told me they’ve never practiced together. So not really a team we will likely see again, but they looked to be having a lot of fun. Healthy respite from club lacrosse. Love seeing that stuff. Had nicknames on their jerseys, our boys loved that.
HoCo next week, should be fun!
3D New England belongs in that best real team conversation, too. We've played all three of those teams in the last year and 3DNE was right there with them. They look comically old, but the rules are the rules.
Easy to say the top (non/national) teams are in tiers:
Hawks 3DNE 2Way Leading Edge
91 Venom FCA MD Blue BBL Rhino ATL
Sweetlax Crabs Express North Texas Nationals (not a real national team)
National teams: Red Hots WCS MADdog National Sweetlax Navy Boston's Phinest/JM3
If your kid is truly a player on one of these teams, he'll be a Top 100 guy come recruiting season. Congratulations. Beauty is that almost every single one of these teams can beat one another any given day.
Fair list. I'd probably add Freedom to the third tier. Well coached team with a tough defense.
Couple problems with this list:
1. Crabs should not be on it 2. Sweetlax FL or Upstate would definitely not be on this list…so the Sweetlax team you’re thinking of here is Navy, which is a national team, they are properly listed in the national group— NO CHANCE Upstate or Florida sniff this list. Not even close. 3. Do the kids on 3d New England play for other local teams, like 4 Leaf, Laxachussets, etc? If so— they are a borderline national team.