2025 Premier Lacrosse League Championship: New York Atlas vs. Denver Outlaws

The highly anticipated 2025 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship is set to showcase the New York Atlas squaring off against the Denver Outlaws. As the season culminates, fans eagerly await to see which team will elevate their game to claim the championship trophy. With rosters brimming with college icons and future Hall of Famers, this matchup promises a thrilling display of lacrosse prowess.

Star Coaches on the Big Stage

Both teams are under the guidance of notable coaches making their PLL championship debuts. Mike Pressler leads the Atlas, while Tim Soudan guides the Outlaws. Their leadership styles and game strategies will be critical as they aim to secure their first championship title in this high-stakes final.

A Recap of Regular Season Showdowns

The Atlas and Outlaws faced each other earlier in the season on August 2nd in Denver, and it was a nail-biter that ended in overtime. The Outlaws emerged victorious with a close 13-12 win, showcasing their resilience and commitment to high-paced play. This previous encounter has set the stage for what is expected to be another classic clash.

The Team Landscape: Star Players

New York Atlas

The Atlas are on the hunt for their first PLL championship. They are fortified with exceptional talent such as Trevor Baptiste, a faceoff specialist, and Liam Entenmann, a formidable goalie. Their attack trio, consisting of Connor Shellenberger, Jeff Teat, and Xander Dickson, has demonstrated incredible chemistry and high skill levels throughout the season.

• Connor Shellenberger: The standout player has consistently been a scoring threat, racking up significant points. He played a crucial role in pushing the August game into overtime with a last-minute goal.

• Jeff Teat: As the MVP of 2024, he continues to shine as a top-tier player, alongside Shellenberger, with both eclipsing 40 points during the regular season.

• Xander Dickson: Nicknamed for his wrist-shot accuracy, he is an essential player in closing the slot area and finishing off plays effectively.

The midfield is equally potent, featuring threats like Bryan Costabile and Matt Traynor, both of whom can break through defenses with nimble footwork. The Atlas’ midfielders are constantly watched by the opposition, ensuring they face multiple defenders during critical plays.

Denver Outlaws

The Outlaws are a force to be reckoned with and are coming off a strong semifinal performance against the California Redwoods. Despite a 30-day layoff, they succeeded in shutting down the Redwoods for significant stretches of the game.

Denver’s roster includes four Tewaraaton Award winners—Brennan O’Neill, Jared Bernhardt, Pat Kavanagh, and Logan Wisnauskas—an impressive statistic that highlights their elite talent pool.

• Brennan O’Neill: Known for his explosive scoring ability, he has put on memorable performances, including a six-point showing in the semifinals.

• Pat Kavanagh: Acquired off-season from Boston, he leads the league in touches and has seen his scoring output triple this season.

• Jared Bernhardt: A dual-sport talent, Bernhardt transitions from an NFL background to establish himself as one of the swiftest ball carriers in the league.

Defensive Strategies

Defensively, the Atlas depend heavily on Liam Entenmann’s goalkeeping skills, with Gavin Adler tasked with marking Pat Kavanagh. Adler’s defensive performance against Kavanagh during their last encounter will be key in influencing the game’s outcome. Denver’s defense features a robust veteran crew, including J.T. Giles-Harris and Mike Manley, who bring valuable experience to the field.

Keys to the Game

For the Atlas, controlling the faceoff will be crucial. Baptiste has demonstrated remarkable proficiency, winning 60% of his faceoffs. This dominance can facilitate offensive opportunities and lessen the time the Outlaws spend with the ball.

For the Outlaws, the focus will be on swift transitions from defense to offense, led by long-stick midfielder Jake Piseno, who drives end-to-end rushes. Their ability to maintain pace will be fundamental against a patient Atlas defense.

Coach Pressler’s challenge will be to exploit mismatches while maintaining disciplined defense, particularly against the Outlaws’ potent attack. Conversely, Coach Soudan must find avenues for his players to capitalize on their scoring chances while ensuring defensive cohesiveness.

Final Thoughts

As the championship game approaches, the anticipation builds. The union of seasoned players and fresh talent coupled with the intensity of a championship matchup creates an electrifying atmosphere. Fans can expect not just a fight for the trophy, but a celebration of skill, strategy, and the spirit of lacrosse.