The Philadelphia Waterdogs, led by league MVP CJ Kirst, claimed the Premier Lacrosse League championship with a 14-4 victory over the Denver Outlaws on a rainy Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Kirst, who celebrated his 24th birthday with the title win, was the undisputed star, finishing with five goals and two assists. The performance capped a remarkable run for Kirst, who also set a league record for goals in a single regular season. Michael Sowers helped orchestrate the offense with two goals and two assists. Zach Currier added two goals. Alec Stathakis, Brendan Staub, Matt Collison, Silas Richmond and Kieran McArdle also found the back of the net. Goaltender Sean Byrne anchored the defense with 11 saves.
The Outlaws could not find an offensive rhythm against Philadelphia's relentless pressure. Dalton Young was the team's top point producer with one goal and one assist. Stars Brennan O'Neill and Jared Bernhardt were held to a goal each, as was faceoff specialist Luke Wierman. Pat Kavanagh, a key playmaker for Denver, was limited to one assist. In goal, Logan McNaney made 11 saves.
Philadelphia established control from the outset. Kirst scored his first goal in the opening two minutes and completed a first-quarter hat trick to help the Waterdogs build a 7-3 lead. The lead grew to 10-4 by halftime after Sowers and McArdle added second-quarter goals. The second half was a defensive clinic by Philadelphia. The Waterdogs held Denver scoreless in the third and fourth quarters while adding four more goals to seal the win.
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