In its first three games, the men’s lacrosse team has been many things: smart, aggressive and, above all, unpredictable. Princeton (3-0) has consistently caught its opponents off balance with its new offense, enabling the team to generally dominate its games. It should be business as usual on Saturday when the No. 5 Tigers take on No. 19 University of Maryland, Baltimore County, at Class of 1952 Stadium.
The Retrievers (1-3) have had a rocky start to their season. Currently riding a two-game losing streak, UMBC’s latest defeat came by a six-goal margin at the hands of No. 7 Johns Hopkins. Princeton defeated Hopkins 11-10 at last weekend’s Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic.
As in previous games, the Tigers’ offense will once again be a vital component of any potential victory. Princeton is currently averaging 13.7 goals per game — a number that has become less surprising as the intensity of head coach Chris Bates’ new offense has become clear. The Retrievers, by contrast, have averaged 8.3 goals per game. If they are to have any hope of upsetting Princeton, they must have an outstanding shooting day, as it will certainly take more than eight goals to knock off Bates’ team.
Princeton will look to a core group of four players to generate the goals it needs to ensure a victory.
Junior attackmen Jack and Chris McBride have been consistent and reliable for the Tigers, combining for at least two goals per game so far. The standouts this season, however, have been freshmen midfielders Jeff Froccaro and Mike Chanenchuk.
Froccaro registered a hat trick against both Hofstra and Hopkins and also scored once in the team’s most recent game against Manhattan College, bringing him to a total of eight goals in his first three collegiate games.
“I personally love [Bates’ new] offense,” Froccaro said after Princeton’s victory against Hopkins. “It suits me very well. I’m thankful that we have so many great athletes around us on the team. It makes it not too hard for us to get some goals.”
Chanenchuk, who has started in every game of his young career, is just as potent as Froccaro. He tallied two goals against Hofstra in his first college game and followed that up with stellar, multi-point performances against the Jaspers and Blue Jays. If Chanenchuk, Froccaro and the McBrides are able to play anywhere close to the levels at which they have been operating, the Tigers should be able to put yet another high-scoring game in the books.
On the defensive end, Princeton will likely be very solid, though certainly not perfect. Still without sophomore defenseman Chad Wiedmaier, the Tigers will need to depend on junior defenseman Long Ellis and sophomore foalie Tyler Fiorito to anchor their back line.
Chief among the team’s concerns will be shutting down UMBC midfielder Bobby Stockton, who has 11 goals and three assists for a team-leading 14 total points.
Saturday’s game marks the beginning of a crucial week for the Tigers.
After battling the Retrievers, the team will travel to Chapel Hill, N.C., to take on No. 3 North Carolina.
Princeton wins in both games would send shockwaves throughout the league and make it clear that the Tigers can make a serious bid for the NCAA title.
The Tigers are fully aware that they have the opportunity to announce to the lacrosse world that they are a force to be reckoned with, and they are certainly up for the challenge.
Speaking after the Face-Off Classic, Fiorito was able to capture the Speaking after the Face-Off Classic, Fiorito was able to capture the team’s outlook. “The scary thing is that we haven’t been playing as good as we can be,” he said. “Once we start really playing up to our potential, it’s going to be a sight to see.”
Read More
Preview: Football names captains and looks ahead to their first game
Lily PampolinaPrinceton football kicks off their season Saturday at noon at home against University of San Diego. The team hopes to get back on track after a disappointing season last year.
Princeton football kicks off their season Saturday at noon at home against University of San Diego. The team hopes to get back on track after a disappointing season last year.
By the Numbers: Goals and medals for the Tigers’ start to the fall
Harrison BlankThis week in By the Numbers, women’s cross country took first in their first two meets, led by sophomore Meg Madison. Amid these accomplishments, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games and had winning records both at home and on the road.
This week in By the Numbers, women’s cross country took first in their first two meets, led by sophomore Meg Madison. Amid these accomplishments, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games and had winning records both at home and on the road.
Late goals lift men’s soccer past University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2–0
Harrison Blank and Matthew YiMen’s soccer overcame a slow start to beat the Minutemen.
Men’s soccer overcame a slow start to beat the Minutemen.