2025 Preseason Top 20 Lookahead

[CuseLax26]

I'd be very surprised if he is moved to attack full time. Staff loves having him on the 1st midfield as it gives them two excellent dodgers and forces teams to short stick either English or him and guarantees Thomson gets a short stick which is what they want. He may make an appearance or two but it's highly likely Deere starts as the third man.

I just worry about Deere in 6v6. He didn't look comfortable or confident at all when coming in early last year. I can see him getting close to double-digit EMO goals and being a monster there. I think Rhoa can get pushed up to the first line and replace Leo.

 

[nyclax]

I'd be very surprised if he is moved to attack full time. Staff loves having him on the 1st midfield as it gives them two excellent dodgers and forces teams to short stick either English or him and guarantees Thomson gets a short stick which is what they want. He may make an appearance or two but it's highly likely Deere starts as the third man.

if deere starts on attack then both leo and english could get poled...at least until deere consistently makes teams pay for shorting him...

thomson will be seeing a lot of shorties either way.

 

[DoctahLexus]

I just worry about Deere in 6v6. He didn't look comfortable or confident at all when coming in early last year. I can see him getting close to double-digit EMO goals and being a monster there. I think Rhoa can get pushed up to the first line and replace Leo.

I thought Deere looked good in the Hobart game, which was the only real non-garbage time minutes he had all season. Hammered a nice outside shot with a quick release. Obviously a very small sample size, but we need better shooters out there on offense this year. Mule struggled at times when we needed him to finish the rock, especially from longer distances. I think his chemistry will be good with Spallina and the other guys with a box background.

 

[Zack80]

I'd be very surprised if he is moved to attack full time. Staff loves having him on the 1st midfield as it gives them two excellent dodgers and forces teams to short stick either English or him and guarantees Thomson gets a short stick which is what they want. He may make an appearance or two but it's highly likely Deere starts as the third man.

Of course, the 3rd attackman is out there for every offensive set, so you would gain the advantage of having Thomson or Leo on the field more.

As has already been alluded to, if opposing coaches feel that Deere is mostly a crease guy, they will probably short stick him and double pole the midfield.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Of course, the 3rd attackman is out there for every offensive set, so you would gain the advantage of having Thomson or Leo on the field more.

As has already been alluded to, if opposing coaches feel that Deere is mostly a crease guy, they will probably short stick him and double pole the midfield.

In theory, teams could still potentially pole Deere for the same reasons they tend to put a pole on Jake Taylor and Dyson Williams. If you can prove you are strong enough as an offball threat, teams don't want to deal with you having an easier time catching and finishing in traffic.

 

[Powellfan]

 

[JeremyCuse]

if deere starts on attack then both leo and english could get poled...at least until deere consistently makes teams pay for shorting him...

thomson will be seeing a lot of shorties either way.

Agreed but most teams won't have the personnel to short a guy like Deere assuming he makes teams pay as you noted. As you noted with Thomson he should draw a lot of shorties either way because even if teams double pole it's unlikely he draws one with the current SU set up of English and Leo at 1st line mid. From what I've heard the staff want Thomson on a short stick as much as possible which wouldn't be the case if he was moved to attack which some are in favor of.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Of course, the 3rd attackman is out there for every offensive set, so you would gain the advantage of having Thomson or Leo on the field more.

As has already been alluded to, if opposing coaches feel that Deere is mostly a crease guy, they will probably short stick him and double pole the midfield.

For sure that's why I think so many of us wanted Leo out there last year and why him playing attack is such a intriguing prospect. For one reason or another the staff prefers him on the 1st midline and has so far refused to move him. My assumption is that they will keep him at mid for now and give Deere first crack. Should Deere be uneven or it once again be clear we need more of a dodging threat at that spot I think they may go to Anderson or perhaps Leo.

 

[Powellfan]

5. Finn Thomson, M, Syracuse
The top producing midfielder for the Orange as a sophomore, a move down to attack may be in the cards for the newly minted No. 1 pick in this week’s MSL draft. Coming off a 38-point year (a 14-point increase from his freshman season), Thomson has one of the best sticks in the game with his eye-catching touch passes, BTBs, and can rip it from range, too

 

[ClvrUsrnm]

For sure that's why I think so many of us wanted Leo out there last year and why him playing attack is such an intriguing prospect. For one reason or another the staff prefers him on the 1st midline and has so far refused to move him. My assumption is that they will keep him at mid for now and give Deere first crack. Should Deere be uneven or it once again be clear we need more of a dodging threat at that spot I think they may go to Anderson or perhaps Leo.

Who rides better? Deere or Leo?

 

[DoctahLexus]

5. Finn Thomson, M, Syracuse
The top producing midfielder for the Orange as a sophomore, a move down to attack may be in the cards for the newly minted No. 1 pick in this week’s MSL draft. Coming off a 38-point year (a 14-point increase from his freshman season), Thomson has one of the best sticks in the game with his eye-catching touch passes, BTBs, and can rip it from range, too

Seems to be a good deal of smoke around Thomson getting time at attack. One of our insider types seemed to hint at it as well. IF that happens, it would answer some issues others have brought up, like Spallina getting more freedom to operate from X or the wing as he chooses since there is another righty. Thought maybe they would not want to break up the two man game action between Thomson and English on the same middie line, but there is no reason that cannot continue when they are both on the field at the same time. Similar to Deere, this would not address the desire for an additional dodger at attack, but Thomson has quietly gotten better at dodging against short sticks and at this stage is more likely than Deere to punish teams that try that with him. On top of that, a line of Rhoa English and Leo would be a serious handful to defend as a middie line, even if they get double poled. Pros and cons, like many of our 3rd attack candidates.

 

[CuseLax26]

Who rides better? Deere or Leo?

After watching Deere in box I'd like think he brings that same aggression and intensity to the field.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Who rides better? Deere or Leo?

Good question, I haven't seen enough of Leo at attack to answer but I believe Deere is considered to be a fairly good rider but again I haven't seen enough of him in full field lax to give the edge one way or another.

 

[OttosDad]

Seems to be a good deal of smoke around Thomson getting time at attack. One of our insider types seemed to hint at it as well. IF that happens, it would answer some issues others have brought up, like Spallina getting more freedom to operate from X or the wing as he chooses since there is another righty. Thought maybe they would not want to break up the two man game action between Thomson and English on the same middie line, but there is no reason that cannot continue when they are both on the field at the same time. Similar to Deere, this would not address the desire for an additional dodger at attack, but Thomson has quietly gotten better at dodging against short sticks and at this stage is more likely than Deere to punish teams that try that with him. On top of that, a line of Rhoa English and Leo would be a serious handful to defend as a middie line, even if they get double poled. Pros and cons, like many of our 3rd attack candidates.

After your explanation, I like the thought of Thomson moving down to attack. Plus I agree, that midfield line of Rhoa, Leo, English is eye-popping. Who do you short stick? Thomson would draw one but shorting anyone else in this hypothetical top 6 would be a bad idea for any opponent.

 

[cuselaxss26]

speaking of rides let’s just hope finally the team is prepared to handle a ride against them n isn’t a total mess like before. Know colgate is gonna ride n uva n unc at times

 

[JeremyCuse]

After your explanation, I like the thought of Thomson moving down to attack. Plus I agree, that midfield line of Rhoa, Leo, English is eye-popping. Who do you short stick? Thomson would draw one but shorting anyone else in this hypothetical top 6 would be a bad idea for any opponent.

The problem in that scenario is that if your moving Thomson to attack you want him drawing a long pole, you don't want the midfield getting double polled. You want that third attackmen whoever it is, to demand a pole.

 

[OttosDad]

The problem in that scenario is that if you’re moving Thomson to attack you want him drawing a long pole, you don't want the midfield getting double polled. You want that third attackmen whoever it is, to demand a pole.

I hear that. He already inverts a lot against a short stick though, and he can be deadly as a feeder. Hes also scored some goals coming around the crease from behind X. I feel like if you put him at attack it maximizes what he can do against a short stick.

The way I see it, these are all good problems to have as it pertains to finding a 3rd attack options. Lots of talented guys.

I haven’t heard Greg Elijah-Browns name at all. He produced a bit last year in mop up. Scored a zillion points at OCC. No chance as a dark horse here? Deere did appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart last year so I get the lack of publicity towards him.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Seems to be a good deal of smoke around Thomson getting time at attack. One of our insider types seemed to hint at it as well. IF that happens, it would answer some issues others have brought up, like Spallina getting more freedom to operate from X or the wing as he chooses since there is another righty. Thought maybe they would not want to break up the two man game action between Thomson and English on the same middie line, but there is no reason that cannot continue when they are both on the field at the same time. Similar to Deere, this would not address the desire for an additional dodger at attack, but Thomson has quietly gotten better at dodging against short sticks and at this stage is more likely than Deere to punish teams that try that with him. On top of that, a line of Rhoa English and Leo would be a serious handful to defend as a middie line, even if they get double poled. Pros and cons, like many of our 3rd attack candidates.

IL has mentioned Thomson to attack about 3 or 4 times now which is certainly interesting. That said there would have to be a big shift in the philosophy of the coaching staff to move him to attack. From what I know this was discussed during and after Thomson's frosh year but the staff felt his doding ability wasn't strong enough to play at attack and they wanted him matched up on short stick more often then not. l like Thomson's game but as you noted this wouldn't address at all the desire for an additional dodger at attack and would force Deere to probably the 2nd midline which I don't think would be overly productive. Id much rather they role with Deere there if they are not going to go with a true dodging threat and keep together that 1st midline that has a lot of continuity and experience and really compliments each other well.

 

[ClvrUsrnm]

I hear that. He already inverts a lot against a short stick though, and he can be deadly as a feeder. Hes also scored some goals coming around the crease from behind X. I feel like if you put him at attack it maximizes what he can do against a short stick.

The way I see it, these are all good problems to have as it pertains to finding a 3rd attack options. Lots of talented guys.

I haven’t heard Greg Elijah-Browns name at all. He produced a bit last year in mop up. Scored a zillion points at OCC. No chance as a dark horse here? Deere did appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart last year so I get the lack of publicity towards him.

Elijah-Brown was getting all sorts of hype coming out of fall ball 2023. Not sure if that was overblown or something happened.

 

[JeremyCuse]

I hear that. He already inverts a lot against a short stick though, and he can be deadly as a feeder. Hes also scored some goals coming around the crease from behind X. I feel like if you put him at attack it maximizes what he can do against a short stick.

The way I see it, these are all good problems to have as it pertains to finding a 3rd attack options. Lots of talented guys.

I haven’t heard Greg Elijah-Browns name at all. He produced a bit last year in mop up. Scored a zillion points at OCC. No chance as a dark horse here? Deere did appear to be ahead of him on the depth chart last year so I get the lack of publicity towards him.

Elijah-Brown is an interesting guy. As you noted he put up a ton of points at OOC but obviously that's a world away from the highest levels of D1. He played a little in garbage time last year but was always curious how we would look if he got some runs with the top guys. I assume like a lot of JUCO guys his game as good as it is just doesn't transfer to this level where the competition is extremely tough.

As you noted SU potentially having a plethora of options is definitely a good thing I just hope we don't get caught in between like last year where we seemed hesitant to get away from Mule and when we did it was to late.

 

[Powellfan]

 

[Powellfan]

In regards to moving Thomson from midfield to attack, I think there is an argument for it. I wouldn't expect him to all of a sudden turn into a slick dodger, breaking ankles and creating his own shot. Thomson is a highly skilled, slick, dynamic player who is extremely crafty. He may just need a change of scenery in terms of positioning on the field.

Going from his freshman to sophomore year, I thought all he needed to do was shoot the ball more. He scored 19 goals as a freshman shooting the ball 45 times for a shooting % of 42 percent. He more than doubled his shot total to 88 shots in '24, but his shooting % dropped 27% (he scored six more goals). If he can maintain his aggressiveness this year, and get closer to his freshman year shooting %, he will be a really good player. Not always that easy! Also, as others have pointed out, he's not just a finisher - 28 assists in two years as a middie isn't anything to sneeze at. I could see him being very good at leading the point on a fast break, allowing Spallina to be more of a finisher.

Some players just thrive being an attackman, as opposed to being a midfielder. Obvious it's a matter of being on the field for longer, but also spacing and comfort level. Perhaps he just needs to be on the field longer to get in a groove? Also might cut down on some of his preposterous riding penalties he's known to pick up when he's forced to get back on defense.

Not sure why this player comes to mind first, but Conor DeSimone for Hopkins really struggled as a midfielder his first couple of years as a Blue Jays. He was moved to attack as an upperclassman and really thrived. I don't think their skill sets are at all similar, but Thomson might also break out just by being closer to the goal. He's been very productive, but at the same time as a fan, I keep expecting more from him. Perhaps a position change would help that along.

 

[Zack80]

UAlbany picked to win the American East:

Men's Lacrosse Selected Fourth In America East Preseason Poll; Galloway Named to Preseason All-Conference Team - University of Maryland, Baltimore County

BOSTON – After qualifying for the 2024 America East Semifinals, UMBC was selected fourth in the America East Men's Lacrosse Preseason Poll, it was announced today

umbcretrievers.com

 

[GrowTheGame]

I stated this in another thread, but Thomson to attack makes perfect sense.. Joey is going to dance at X and is elite at getting his hands free even if he doesn’t get body separation or even get topside of GLE. He just needs elite guys who can catch anything and get a good shot off… Finn/Deere/Hiltz all fit that description and I fully expect Joey to get the majority of touches while whatever wing he runs towards will rotate into the low crease to catch and shoot, or if a team slides downhill they can all shoot from the Adj. If that’s not available I’m sure Joey is looking to skip it through for a shot or redodge.

 

[DoctahLexus]

In regards to moving Thomson from midfield to attack, I think there is an argument for it. I wouldn't expect him to all of a sudden turn into a slick dodger, breaking ankles and creating his own shot. Thomson is a highly skilled, slick, dynamic player who is extremely crafty. He may just need a change of scenery in terms of positioning on the field.

Going from his freshman to sophomore year, I thought all he needed to do was shoot the ball more. He scored 19 goals as a freshman shooting the ball 45 times for a shooting % of 42 percent. He more than doubled his shot total to 88 shots in '24, but his shooting % dropped 27% (he scored six more goals). If he can maintain his aggressiveness this year, and get closer to his freshman year shooting %, he will be a really good player. Not always that easy! Also, as others have pointed out, he's not just a finisher - 28 assists in two years as a middie isn't anything to sneeze at. I could see him being very good at leading the point on a fast break, allowing Spallina to be more of a finisher.

Some players just thrive being an attackman, as opposed to being a midfielder. Obvious it's a matter of being on the field for longer, but also spacing and comfort level. Perhaps he just needs to be on the field longer to get in a groove? Also might cut down on some of his preposterous riding penalties he's known to pick up when he's forced to get back on defense.

Not sure why this player comes to mind first, but Conor DeSimone for Hopkins really struggled as a midfielder his first couple of years as a Blue Jays. He was moved to attack as an upperclassman and really thrived. I don't think their skill sets are at all similar, but Thomson might also break out just by being closer to the goal. He's been very productive, but at the same time as a fan, I keep expecting more from him. Perhaps a position change would help that along.

I think he is just as capable as a feeder as Spallina Mule and Hiltz, while having better skills as a shooter and finisher compared to Mule, although he did have a couple bad games in that category. I think being on the field full time could help ease some of those shooting yips he was having earlier in the season. By the end of the year his shot was far more reliable as well. He is sneaky quick and getting better at challenging short stick match ups. As of now I have more faith in him punishing short sticks than I would with Deere.