I love watching lacrosse at M&T Bank Stadium. Saturday afternoon/evening the lacrosse faithful came out in decent numbers and enjoyed two entertaining games. Army/Navy went down to the wire with Army pulling off a huge win in the storied rivalry. It’s unfortunate that the game ended with a controversial call on a potential game tying goal for Navy. After the fact I’m convinced the goal was good. But, it goes in the books as a loss for the Mids. I could watch these two rivals go after each other in Stratego and be entertained…”Day of Rivals” indeed! 

Plenty of tailgating and catching-up with friends and coaching peers in-between games. The lacrosse community is growing and becoming so much more diverse. Its great to see old faces and even better for the sport to be in a position to attract new blood. The parties and tailgating at M&T Bank Stadium before-during-after this weekends games was a welcoming place for all lacrosse fans. Awesome!

The second game didnt need any hype. Maryland vs. Hopkins…PERIOD! I was impressed with the fire and desire shown by the young Jays as they came out of the locker room breathing fire. By far the faster, hungrier more dominant team for the entire first half. But, the second half was all Terps as Maryland flexed some veteran muscle and took control. Hopkins finished 1/7 on EMO. Hopkins couldnt take advantage of 5-6 big mental mistakes by the Terps - those added possessions not amounting to much. Hopkins had the ball last and couldnt take advantage of a sure-fire flat-break 1:1 situation…didnt even get a shot off for a chance to tie. Hopkins owned the first half. Maryland owned the second half. 10-9 Terps…in another classic rivals game.

 Hopkins is in MUST WIN mode now…and still have Navy, Towson and a red-hot Loyola squad on the horizon. The next few weeks will be fun to watch as teams jockey for playoff position. JUST WIN BABY!!

- BULLDOG

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-hopkins-maryland-lacrosse-0418-20100416,0,5976385.story