How has the MLL Championship evolved since 2001. Which teams have dominated the league’s ultimate prize. What are some of the most memorable moments in MLL Championship history. Where have the championship games been held over the years.
The Evolution of the MLL Championship
The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Championship has been the pinnacle of professional lacrosse in North America since the league’s inception in 2001. Each year, the top teams in the league battle for the coveted Steinfeld Trophy, named after the league’s founder, Jake Steinfeld. The championship game has become a showcase of the sport’s elite talent and a celebration of lacrosse’s growing popularity.
Over the years, the MLL Championship has been held in various locations across the United States, reflecting the sport’s expansion and increasing fan base. From its early days in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to more recent venues in Georgia and Texas, the championship has traveled to 10 different states, with Colorado set to become the 11th host in 2019.
Notable Championship Locations
- Boston, MA: Hosted four championships (2004, 2005, 2008, 2012)
- Annapolis, MD: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (2009, 2010, 2011)
- Kennesaw, GA: Fifth Third Bank Stadium (2014, 2015, 2016)
- Frisco, TX: Ford Center at The Star (2017)
- Charleston, SC: MUSC Health Stadium (2018)
Dominant Teams in MLL Championship History
Throughout the league’s history, several teams have emerged as powerhouses, consistently contending for and winning championships. The Chesapeake Bayhawks (formerly the Baltimore Bayhawks) stand out as the most successful franchise in MLL history, having captured five championships (2002, 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013).
Other teams with multiple championships include:
- Denver Outlaws: 3 titles (2014, 2016, 2018)
- Philadelphia Barrage: 3 titles (2004, 2006, 2007)
- Long Island Lizards/New York Lizards: 3 titles (2001, 2003, 2015)
In total, eight different MLL teams have won championships, showcasing the competitive balance within the league.
Memorable Moments and MVP Performances
The MLL Championship has produced numerous unforgettable moments and outstanding individual performances. Each year, a Most Valuable Player (MVP) is selected for their exceptional contribution to their team’s victory. Some notable MVP performances include:
- 2001: Paul Gait (Long Island Lizards) – 7 goals in the inaugural championship
- 2003: Kevin Lowe (Long Island Lizards) – Scored the game-winning goal in overtime
- 2006: Roy Colsey (Philadelphia Barrage) – 4 goals and 2 two-point goals for 8 points
- 2010: Kyle Hartzell (Chesapeake Bayhawks) – First defenseman to win Championship MVP
- 2018: Matt Kavanagh (Denver Outlaws) – 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points
The Impact of Championship Games on MLL’s Growth
The MLL Championship has played a crucial role in the league’s growth and popularity. These high-stakes games have showcased the sport’s excitement and skill level to both dedicated fans and newcomers alike. The championship events have also helped to expand the league’s footprint across the United States, introducing professional lacrosse to new markets and regions.
Attendance figures for championship games have varied over the years, with some notable highs:
- 2008: 8,481 spectators at Harvard Stadium in Boston, MA
- 2015: 8,674 fans at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA
- 2017: 7,542 attendees at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX
These numbers demonstrate the growing interest in professional lacrosse and the potential for further expansion of the sport’s fanbase.
Championship Game Format and Evolution
The MLL Championship game has maintained a consistent format throughout the league’s history. It is played at a predetermined neutral location, ensuring a fair and exciting atmosphere for both teams and their fans. This approach differs from some other professional sports leagues, where home-field advantage plays a role in the championship series.
The single-game format adds to the intensity and drama of the championship, as teams must bring their absolute best performance on that day to claim the title. This winner-take-all scenario has led to some thrilling contests, including:
- 2003: Long Island Lizards defeat Baltimore Bayhawks 15-14 in overtime
- 2011: Boston Cannons edge Hamilton Nationals 10-9
- 2016: Denver Outlaws outscore Ohio Machine 19-18 in a high-scoring affair
The Steinfeld Trophy: Symbol of MLL Excellence
The Steinfeld Trophy, awarded to the MLL champions each year, has become an iconic symbol of excellence in professional lacrosse. Named after Jake Steinfeld, the founder of Major League Lacrosse, the trophy represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport.
Winning the Steinfeld Trophy is a career-defining moment for players and coaches alike. Many of the sport’s greatest stars have hoisted this prestigious award, including:
- Gary Gait: Won as a player with the Baltimore Bayhawks in 2005
- Paul Rabil: Led the New York Lizards to victory in 2015
- John Grant Jr.: Won back-to-back MVPs with different teams (Chesapeake in 2013, Denver in 2014)
The trophy’s design and symbolism have made it a coveted prize that represents not just team success, but the growth and prestige of professional lacrosse as a whole.
Championship Impact on Player Careers
Winning an MLL Championship can have a significant impact on a player’s career trajectory and legacy within the sport. Championship success often leads to increased recognition, endorsement opportunities, and a place in lacrosse history. Some players who have particularly benefited from championship performances include:
- Casey Powell: Key player in the New York Lizards’ 2015 championship run
- Paul Rabil: MVP performance in the 2015 championship solidified his status as one of the game’s best
- Jordan Burke: Goalie MVP for Boston Cannons in their 2011 championship victory
These championship moments not only define careers but also inspire the next generation of lacrosse players, fueling the sport’s growth at all levels.
Championship Records and Milestones
Throughout MLL Championship history, several records and milestones have been set, showcasing the exceptional talent and competitive nature of the league. Some notable achievements include:
- Highest scoring championship game: Denver Outlaws 19-18 over Ohio Machine (2016)
- Largest margin of victory: 17 points – Philadelphia Barrage 23-12 over Denver Outlaws (2006)
- Most championship appearances: Chesapeake Bayhawks with 8
- Most goals in a championship game: Roy Colsey with 6 (including 2 two-pointers) in 2006
These records serve as benchmarks for future players and teams, adding another layer of excitement to each championship game as new marks are pursued.
The Future of the MLL Championship
As Major League Lacrosse continues to evolve and grow, the championship game is poised to play an increasingly important role in the sport’s landscape. The league has shown a commitment to expanding its reach, experimenting with new venues and formats to enhance the championship experience for players and fans alike.
Some potential developments for future MLL Championships could include:
- Expansion to new markets and larger venues
- Enhanced broadcast and streaming options to reach a wider audience
- Integration of new technologies to improve fan engagement and gameplay analysis
- Increased collaboration with youth lacrosse organizations to grow the sport’s fanbase
As the sport of lacrosse continues to gain popularity across North America and beyond, the MLL Championship is well-positioned to become an even more significant event in the professional sports calendar.
Championship Week Activities
In recent years, the MLL has expanded the championship experience beyond just the game itself. Championship Week has become a celebration of lacrosse, featuring various activities and events leading up to the big game. These may include:
- Youth clinics and tournaments
- Fan festivals and interactive experiences
- Skills competitions featuring MLL players
- Community outreach programs and charity events
These additional activities help to create a more immersive experience for fans and promote the sport of lacrosse in the host city and beyond.
The Role of Rivalries in MLL Championships
Over the years, several intense rivalries have developed within the MLL, adding extra excitement and drama to championship matchups. When rival teams meet in the final game of the season, it elevates the stakes and intensity of the contest. Some notable championship rivalries include:
- Chesapeake Bayhawks vs. Long Island/New York Lizards: Met in the championship three times (2002, 2005, 2010)
- Denver Outlaws vs. Ohio Machine: Faced off in back-to-back championships (2016, 2017)
- Boston Cannons vs. Philadelphia Barrage: Early rivalry that peaked in the 2004 championship
These rivalries not only add to the excitement of the championship game but also help to build narratives and storylines that engage fans throughout the season.
Impact of Championship Success on Franchise Stability
Success in MLL Championships can have a significant impact on a franchise’s stability and long-term viability. Winning championships often leads to:
- Increased fan support and attendance
- Greater media coverage and exposure
- Improved sponsorship opportunities
- Enhanced ability to attract and retain top talent
Conversely, teams that consistently struggle to reach the championship game may face challenges in maintaining fan interest and financial stability. The MLL has seen several franchises relocate or fold over the years, highlighting the importance of on-field success in building a sustainable professional lacrosse organization.
As the league continues to grow and evolve, the MLL Championship remains a crucial factor in determining which franchises thrive and which may struggle to find their footing in the competitive landscape of professional sports.
MLL Championship History – OurSports Central
October 5, 2019 – Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Since its founding in 2001, Major League Lacrosse has awarded the Steinfeld Trophy to that year’s MLL Champion. Each year, the game is played at a predetermined neutral location. The Championship Game has taken place in ten different states with Colorado set to be the eleventh. Boston, MA has hosted four MLL Championships (2004, 2005, 2008, 2012), the most all-time. Eight different MLL teams have won championships. The Chesapeake Bayhawks are tied for the most titles with five (2002, 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013.)
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Team History
The following identifies each teams appearances and records in the MLL Championship Games.
Year-By-Year History
2001
Champion: Long Island Lizards
Runner-Up: Baltimore Bayhawks
Score: 15-11
Location: Kennedy Stadium, Bridgeport, CT
MVP: Paul Gait (7G, 0A, 7PTS)
Attendance: 6,745
2002
Champion: Baltimore Bayhawks
Runner-Up: Long Island Lizards
Score: 21-13
Location: Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
MVP: Mark Millon (5G, 2A, 7PTS)
Attendance: 5,596
2003
Champion: Long Island Lizards
Runner-Up: Baltimore Bayhawks
Score: 15-14 (OT)
Location: Villanova Stadium, Villanova, PA
MVP: Kevin Lowe (Game Winning Goal in Overtime)
Attendance: 6,593
2004
Champion: Philadelphia Barrage
Runner-Up: Boston Cannons
Score: 13-1
Location: Nickerson Field, Boston, MA
MVP: Greg Cattrano
Attendance: 8,279
2005
Champion: Baltimore Bayhawks
Runner-Up: Long Island Lizards
Score: 15-9
Location: Nickerson Field, Boston, MA
MVP: Gary Gait (6G, 0A, 6PTS)
Attendance: 6,829
2006
Champion: Philadelphia Barrage
Runner-Up: Denver Outlaws
Score: 23-12
Location: The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
MVP: Roy Colsey (4G, 2 2-PT G, 8PTS)
Attendance: 5,374
2007
Champion: Philadelphia Barrage
Runner-Up: Los Angeles Riptide
Score: 16-13
Location: Paetec Park, Rochester, NY
MVP: Matt Striebel (3G, 3A, 6PTS)
Attendance: 5,288
2008
Champion: Rochester Rattlers
Runner-Up: Denver Outlaws
Score: 16-6
Location: Harvard Stadium, Boston, MA
MVP: Joe Walters (2G, 2A, 4PTS)
Attendance: 8,481
2009
Champion: Toronto Nationals
Runner-Up: Denver Outlaws
Score: 10-9
Location: Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
MVP: Merrick Thomson (2G, 3GB, 2PTS)
Attendance: 7,003
2010
Champion: Chesapeake Bayhawks
Runner-Up: Long Island Lizards
Score: 13-9
Location: Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
MVP: Kyle Hartzell (First Defenseman to Win Championship MVP)
Attendance: 6,445
2011
Champion: Boston Cannons
Runner-Up: Hamilton Nationals
Score: 10-9
Location: Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
MVP: Jordan Burke (9GB)
Attendance: 5,027
2012
Champion: Chesapeake Bayhawks
Runner-Up: Denver Outlaws
Score: 16-6
Location: Harvard Stadium, Cambridge, MA
MVP: Ben Rubeor (2G, 0A, 2PTS)
ttendance: 7,384
2013
Champion: Chesapeake Bayhawks
Runner-Up: Charlotte Hounds
Score: 10-9
Location: PPL Park, Chester, PA
MVP: John Grant Jr.
(4G, 0A, 4PTS)
Attendance: 3,892
2014
Champion: Denver Outlaws
Runner-Up: Rochester Rattlers
Score: 12-11
Location: Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw, GA
MVP: John Grant Jr. (3G, 1A, 4PTS)
Attendance: 8,149
2015
Champion: New York Lizards
Runner-Up: Rochester Rattlers
Score: 15-12
Location: Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw, GA
MVP: Paul Rabil (3G, 3A, 6PTS)
Attendance: 8,674
2016
Champion: Denver Outlaws
Runner-Up: Ohio Machine
Score: 19-18
Location: Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw, GA
MVP: Eric Law (5G, 3A, 8PTS)
Attendance: 5,522
2017
Champion: Ohio Machine
Runner-Up: Denver Outlaws
Score: 17-12
Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
MVP: Marcus Holman (4G, 2A, 6PTS)
Attendance: 7,542
2018
Champion: Denver Outlaws
Runner-Up: Dallas Rattlers
Score: 16-12
Location: MUSC Health Stadium, Charleston, SC
MVP: Matt Kavanagh (4G, 5A, 9PTS)
Attendance: 4,086
2019
Champion: N/A
Runner-Up: N/A
Score: N/A
Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO
MVP: N/A
Attendance: NA
Check out the Major League Lacrosse Statistics
• Discuss this story on the Major League Lacrosse message board.
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- Lyle Thompson Wins Coca-Cola Most Valuable Player and Warrior Offensive Player of the Year – MLL
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- Liam Byrnes Wins Warrior Defensive Player of the Year Award – MLL
- Nick Marrocco Wins the David Huntley Man of the Year Award – MLL
- Ryan Tucker Wins Corum Players Choice Award – MLL
- Tony Seaman Wins Tito’s Coach of the Year Award – MLL
- Denver Outlaws Head Coach Tony Seaman Named MLL Coach of the Year – Denver Outlaws
- Alex Woodall Wins Cascade Rookie of the Year Award – MLL
- Denver Outlaws to Face Chesapeake BayHawks in MLL Championship Game on Sunday – Denver Outlaws
- MLL Championship History – MLL
- Outlaws Advance to Fourth Consecutive MLL Championship Game – MLL
- BayHawks Beat Blaze in OT Thriller – MLL
- Denver Outlaws Defeat Boston Cannons 17-15 to Earn Fourth Consecutive Championship Appearance – Denver Outlaws
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Boston Wins First MLL Championship Since 2011
Boston Wins First MLL Championship Since 2011 | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Boston Wins First MLL Championship Since 2011
Sun Jul 26 2020 | Brian Logue | Pro
MLL
PHOTO BY MAJOR LEAGUE LACROSSE
Bryce Wasserman was named the 2020 Major League Lacrosse Most Valuable Player after helping Boston win its first league title since 2011.
The most bizarre season in Major League Lacrosse’s 20-year history ended with one of the league’s original franchises claiming just its second overall title. Boston beat Denver 13-10 on Sunday afternoon to hoist the championship trophy for the first time since 2011.
The league’s 20th anniversary 10-week season was truncated to a nine-day, fanless tournament in Annapolis, Md., due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After seven days of highly-competitive lacrosse in searing heat set the stage for a much-anticipated championship weekend, the league was dealt another curveball.
Ahead of Saturday’s semifinals, a player tested positive for COVID-19. The league first delayed and then ultimately cancelled the semifinal round. According to the ESPN broadcast on Sunday, three Chesapeake Bayhawks players tested positive. Chesapeake and Connecticut both withdrew from the tournament, leaving Boston and Denver to compete for the championship.
The Cannons, playing without five players who elected not to play in the championship due to health concerns, rode on the back of attackman John Uppgren and a standout defensive effort. Uppgren, a fifth-year pro who poured in over 400 points while leading Tufts to the NCAA Division III finals three straight years, had a career-best five goals.
5 goals today, 5 goals all this week
Have yourself a day @TheRealUppy pic.twitter.com/LE3HhMVeg2
— Major League Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) July 26, 2020
Boston’s defense held Denver scoreless in the fourth quarter and the Outlaws’ Ryan Lee, who led the MLL in the five-game regular season with 18 goals, was held without a point in the championship game.
Boston goalie Nick Marrocco made 10 saves in the victory, twice denying the legendary John Grant Jr., in tight in the second half. The 45-year-old Grant, had a goal and an assist in the final game of his career, which end with him as the leading scorer in the league’s history.
.@OnThaRoccs, @BostonCannons are pic.twitter.com/Mx4ZINAwSc
— Major League Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) July 26, 2020
Denver’s offense never seemed to get in sync, finishing the game with 24 turnovers, none more emblematic than a miscommunication after calling a timeout with just over a minute to play. Trailing just 13-10, Denver was trying to set up a final comeback push, but a pass sailed back near the midline and Boston ran out most of the rest of the clock.
The championship was an emotional one for the Cannons’ Bryce Wasserman, who was named the league’s 2020 Most Valuable Player. Wasserman, a Texas native who played collegiately at Monmouth, had a goal and an assist for the Cannons after scoring 14 goals during the regular season.
“2011 I came up here to Maryland in my first recruiting tournament,” Wasserman told Courtney Fallon in a postgame interview on ESPN. “Zero goals, zero assists. I remember sitting with my dad at the BWI Airport, crying my eyes out because I didn’t think I was going to be good enough to play at the highest level in college and the pros. From that day on, no one in this sport has outworked me. This is the culmination, right? I can’t wait to go back to that airport covered in champagne.”
Wasserman wasn’t the only one to appreciate the opportunity the MLL provides.
Boston’s Justin Pugal played a huge role in the championship.
Initially undrafted coming out of Stony Brook last year, Pugal later eared a tryout with the Cannons and parlayed that into a season in which he was ultimately selected to play in the MLL All-Star game.
On Sunday, he buried a two-pointer with 0.3 seconds remaining in the first half, his first professional goal, to give Boston momentum and an 8-6 lead heading into halftime.
BUZZER BEATER by @JustinPugal_15 pic.twitter.com/teBbQ1uoA0
— Major League Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) July 26, 2020
The Cannons stretched the lead to 11-6 in the second half with Pugal doing more damage. On one possession early in the third quarter, he blocked a shot from Lee with his knee and then later stripped Grant of the ball to give the ball back to Boston.
Trailing by five, Denver mounted a charge midway through the third quarter. Chris Aslanian scored back-to-back goals and Max Adler won the faceoff and scored after Aslanian’s second to cut the lead to 11-9. The three Outlaw goals occurred in a span of just 43 seconds.
Uppgren had the answer for Boston, scoring his fifth of the game with 6:29 to play and Challen Roger added another with 3:42 to play.
Aslanian scored his third goal of the third quarter with 1:48 to play to make it 13-10, but Denver went scoreless over the game’s final 16:48.
Denver, which has won three MLL championships, lost in the final for the second straight year and the seventh time in franchise history.
Aslanian and rookie Daniel Bucaro each had three goals to lead the Outlaws and Adler won 14 of 25 faceoffs. Christian Knight made 13 saves while allowing nine goals.
Uppgren’s five goals led Boston and Mark Cockerton added a hat trick. The Cannons had nine forced turnovers, led by Zach Goodrich with three.
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Trophies of the Russian Premier League
As part of the rebranding of the RPL, launched in 2018, the Premier League is introducing a new line of awards.
The entire group of awards can be imagined as a piece of jewelry, in which the goblet, as a unique and most valuable item, is made in the most complex and meaningful way, like a diamond in our collection.
CUP
The upper part of the goblet, like the classic soccer ball, is based on a truncated icosahedron, the so-called “Platonic solid”, a regular polyhedron. In the trophy, this polyhedron is built from intertwined ribbons. The peculiarity of such structures is that, despite the visual lightness and airiness, they are very durable. Examples in architecture are proof of this – Geodesic domes, Shukhov tower. This has a deep meaning – only a truly united and well-played team can become a champion.
The teamwork and cohesion of the team cannot be “touched” or seen in reality, one can only see the result of the presence of this strength in the team. So in the goblet, the form, which seems light and openwork, is actually a very solid structure, which personifies strength, without which victory is impossible. A strength that only comes from the perfect interaction and strong bonding of the entire team.
The next meaning is connection and interweaving, which are born out of chaos and line up in an indestructible structure.
At the base of the goblet, individual ribbons, like sprouts, stretch from a common base in order to gather into a single whole in the future. This metaphor can be described as follows: all the team players were once children and played football in the yards, everyone was still on their own, and no one could know that in ten years these guys would form a champion team, a winning team. After all, only a few out of thousands of boys playing street football become professional football players. Ribbons are pulled from the base, from the Russian football school, founded in the post-war years, when the Soviet team showed the best results in world and European competitions.
The third meaning, which cannot be dispensed with, is that Russian football has a past, and it is rooted in Soviet football. There is an image that is inextricably linked with the Soviet period of our country – a star. The regular soccer ball has pentagons, but no stars. In the presented trophy, both are present, but both images are not straightforward, there is a hint of the ball, but not a reliable image.
In most football cups, the main attribute of the game of football, the ball itself, is corny. In this goblet, however, there is no direct use of this image, it is shown more subtly and elegantly. The Soviet star is also not depicted directly.
In conclusion, we can say about the main thing, about the main visual metaphor of the cup – this is a ball flying into the goal net at breakneck speed. The ball, which is about to break through the net, symbolizes the power of impact, speed and swiftness. Power without which it is impossible to win. Equally important in the cup is the presence of meanings and a strong visual image. The cup has very rapid proportions and looking at this cup one feels strength and energy.
MEDALS
Medals are like sparks of decoration, parts of a trophy.
