Christian Cook's Column

MLL/New Jersey Pride Update August 13, 2002

Christian Cook Defends Ryan Powell

After a couple of hard fought victories – we’re in the playoffs! I have to admit that midway through the second quarter of our game against Boston, I didn’t think we could pull it out. However, our offense came through, possessed the ball and led the Pride to a 18-16 come-from-behind win against a VERY talented Boston Cannons lacrosse team. They are so talented, in fact, that with their backs against the wall, they’ve won three games to make it to the MLL playoffs for the second year in a row. As for the Pride, we clinched our first playoff berth with a win against a tough Long Island team 18-15 on Saturday night at Hofstra. While many individuals are commenting on the apparent skid of the Lizards, I think it is just a reflection of the parity in this league. Every team is competitive and can pull out big wins – every team has proven competitors.

We now finish our season with back to back home games against Baltimore and Rochester. We’re most likely going to be the 3 seed heading into the tournament in which case we’ll play either Long Island or Baltimore. They are both tough teams and we really need to play well in the next two games to end the season on a positive note – not to mention the benefits of hitting the playoffs while on a roll. Personally, it is nice to come back this year and make the playoffs. Last year we held our playoff destiny in our hands and lost 21-9 against Baltimore in a must-win game. We all remembered the loss and how embarrassing it was and feel like we’ve finally put together some good wins – enough to put us in the playoffs. Once there – any team can win the MLL championship – it just depends on who is going to show up.

On a side note, I was fortunate enough to meet a young lacrosse player, and fan at Hofstra before our game on Saturday. This young man is on his way to a top Division I lacrosse program on an academic scholarship and is looking forward to trying out for the team as a walk-on. He has read my columns and send me numerous questions. It is always great to see how some players progress and the desire they have to make their dreams a reality. In addition, this young player should serve as a role model for many others. While he has only played lacrosse for two years, it is his dream to play in college – so he worked hard enough on his academics to earn a scholarship. He will truly be what we refer to as a “student-athlete.” Too often young players are actually “athlete-students.” I want to wish this player the best of luck!