With the fall semester coming to an end, it’s time to shift our focuses to the Spring semester athletics teams. One team that is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs once again is the Cortland Mens Lacrosse team. After coming up short last year losing in the quarter finals of the NCAA playoffs, Cortland looks to go deeper and to achieve their goal of winning a National Championship even after losing a bunch of seniors.
The biggest strength of this team is the defense. Their unit is tough, experienced, and plays with the same edge that defined our best teams. Head coach, Coach Rogers (defensive coordinator as well as head coach) is a very tough, old school type of coach. He emphasizes to be in the weight room when you can, and to go to his office so that he can help you get better as a player. He trusts his players and trusts himself to make the right decisions for this team to be successful. Coach plays the defenders that can move well, communicate clearly, and aren’t afraid to get physical on the field. Cortland’s defense has got size, discipline, and a real understanding of how to slow down top scorers. The long-stick midfielders might be the most underrated part of the group they’re athletic, aggressive, and can completely change the momentum with caused turnovers and fast-break pushes. Simply put, the defense is really good and gives this team a strong foundation to build from.
Offensively, Cortland is still very good and well balanced. They have playmakers and scorers all over the field which makes it very hard for defenses to scout and play against. Coach Bardsley (offensive coordinator) wants the offense to play fast and share the ball, and this group is built to do exactly that. He has really trusted his players and trusts their playmaking ability to take over in big moments. He is a great coach and knows how to emphasize on how to win games and how to be efficient at the college level. Cortland brings back several players who showed real growth last season. The midfielders can dodge downhill, shoot on the run, and push the pace in transition. The attack line has solid chemistry and knows how to find the open man.
In goal, there’s a real competition for the starting spot. Both the returning goalies and the younger players have shown flashes of being able to step up. The coaches are looking for someone steady who can make big saves and control the defense with their voice. With how strong the defense already is, a reliable goalie behind them could make this one of the best defensive units in the SUNYAC.
Faceoffs will also be key. When I played, winning the X often decided games, and it’s the same now. Cortland has a few guys battling for the job, and early in the season we might see a rotation until someone takes over. Gaining extra possessions will be huge, especially in tight conference matchups.
The schedule, as always, is tough. Cortland will see strong non-conference teams early, giving them a quick test and a chance to prove themselves. Those games always bring out the best in the team and help prepare them for the SUNYAC grind.
Overall, this year’s team has the talent, toughness, and identity to make a real run. They have a defense that can shut teams down, an offense that’s starting to click, and a culture that continues to push guys to get better. From someone who’s been part of the program, this group feels like it has everything it needs to make this season a special one for Cortland lacrosse.