Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend 2024: Everything you need to know before Philly’s new lacrosse team hits the field
The Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend at Villanova Stadium is a thrilling event for the ever-passionate Philadelphia fan base and an exhilarating opportunity to witness the city’s brand-new team in action.
After an early bye week, the anticipation for Bill Tierney and his team’s next performance is palpable as they gear up for two exciting games over the weekend.
Whether you’re interested in a Homecoming Pass for the entire weekend, individual game tickets on Saturday, or a Sunday Day Pass, all options are available HERE.
Also, with Sunday being Father’s Day, the first 250 dads through the gates get a free hot dog. You can’t beat a free Father’s Day dog and some terrific lax games during the first-ever Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend.
Philadelphia Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend
The Waterdogs dropped their season opener, 12-11, in the 2023 championship rematch against the Archers. Coming out of halftime, last year’s MVP Tom Schreiber ripped a 100 MPH two-point goal to put the Archers up 11-4. Thirty seconds later, Tre LeClaire’s goal (assisted by Schreiber) was the last time the Archers found the back of the net.
From 8:32 left in the third quarter, the defensive unit battened down the hatches, and goalie Dillon Ward finished with eight saves on 20 shots on net.
Spearheaded by two goals each from Connor Kelly and Matt Whitcher, the Waterdogs went on a 7-0 run to make the game 12-11 with five minutes left. Archers’ goalie Brian Dobson had 23 SAVES on the day, including a stop on Connor Kelly’s 100 MPH two-point attempt and the game-winning save on Ethan Walker with three seconds left.
The first weekend of the PLL is tough on just about every team, but the Waterdogs, with their unique strategies, face an even more challenging start. Having a bye week in between, the team has to adapt to new coaches Bill Tierney and Dylan Sheridan.
At the faceoff X, the Dogs’ old strategy of putting a long pole to harass the opposing team’s faceoff man is no longer viable, as the PLL banned long poles from taking faceoffs.
This innovative strategy that took over last season quickly became obsolete. Now, with the Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend here, the team’s new strategies are set to face two more elite teams, adding an element of intrigue to the games.
Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend Game #1
vs. Boston Cannons, 12:30 PM EST (ABC/ESPN+)
Similarly to Philly, the Cannons opted to use the “no faceoff” strategy last season, which quickly changed after losing their season opener.
Ironically enough, Boston dresses former Waterdogs’ faceoff specialist Zac Tucci, who went 11/24 against Maryland Whipsnakes FOGO, Joseph Nardella, who went 14/23. While neither can “take over” a game, not having a guy to battle them for possession makes each opportunity crucial when the Waterdogs get the ball on offense.
Despite playing one game, Philly caused 12 turnovers on the season, only four behind the Atlas, who lead the league. The Cannons, led by their star attack trio, are one of the most efficient offenses in the PLL.
After a disappointing Week One, Boston got things on track. Asher Nolting dished out six assists, newly acquired Garrett Epple caused three turnovers, and goalie Colin Kirst saved 14 shots and only allowed nine goals against Maryland.
Both attack units can significantly impact this game, with Michael Sowers, Kieran McCardle, and Ethan Walker trying to outperform Nolting, Marcus Holman, and Matt Kavanagh. Defensively, Ben Randall, Eli Gobrecht, and Liam Byrnes all had one caused turnover against the Archers in Week One.
If the Dogs want to secure their first win, the defensive unit must communicate nonstop to thwart the Cannons’ many offensive weapons.
Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend Game #2
vs. Maryland Whipsnakes, 3:30 PM EST (ESPN+)
After playing the team that held Maryland to a season-low nine goals, the Waterdogs will face the 0-2 Whipsnakes in the weekend’s final game. Brendan Krebs took over in the net after Kyle Bernlohr let up six goals with zero saves to open the season.
Krebs has a 51.1% save percentage and an average of 12.7 goals allowed since starting between the pipes. The Whipsnakes’ goaltender has let up two two-point shots, so the Waterdog’s long-range shooters could have an advantage beyond the arc or dodging down the alley against Maryland’s weak defensive midfield.
It will be a homecoming for the Whipsnakes attackmen Matt Rambo (LaSalle College High School) and rookie T.J. Malone (Haverford School), as well as Michael Sowers (Upper Dublin High School), who all look to show out in front of their friends and families.
The Whipsnakes averaged 11 goals in their two games this season, with Philly scoring 11 in their first game. Both offenses need a jumpstart, and there is no better place for the new Philadelphia-area athletes to play their best games during the Waterdogs Homecoming Weekend than in front of the best sports fans.
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