As we near the end of the academic year, the American University lacrosse team is preparing for the end of their season, as well. This season has been disappointing, with many close games getting away from the team.
The Eagles finish their season in last place in the Patriot League’s last place with a 1-8 conference record, and they have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. This is the third year in a row they have not qualified for the Patriot League Tournament.
Still, these results do not properly reflect the potential of this team and the program as a whole. The Eagles had many chances to win games throughout the season, but could not pull through in the end.
I attended multiple games this season, and the atmospheres at the matches were of high quality. Fans from both teams filled the stands every game and provided an energetic setting for the games to take place.
My favorite match of the season was one that proves my point exactly. On April 5, American faced the then No. 25 Army. Going into the fourth quarter, the Eagles led 12-11. But once again, they could not hold on, getting outscored 5-1 in the fourth quarter.
That was truly a disappointing loss, not because they were expected to win, but because they had the chance to pull it out against the Black Knights. However, this game proved that the Eagles could compete with the best.
For many sports, the Patriot League does not provide the best NCAA Division I competition, but lacrosse is unique because it does. This season, the Patriot League had multiple teams ranked in the top 25 nationally. That gave American the chance to have great competition and hopefully improve their playing.
Their next game was against Boston University, another team toward the bottom of the Patriot League, and it was a game that the Eagles needed to win to keep postseason hopes alive. They lost 12-5. The offense could not seem to get anything in the net, and the defense could not hold off the Terriers’ scoring efforts.
American played to the level of their competition many times this season, meaning they played their best against the best teams, but could not seem to do the same against the lowest ranked ones. Despite this, the team had so much potential. Knowing that the Eagles could play better than they did should give the team confidence going into next season as they try to break their postseason drought.
During the offseason, the team needs to improve upon all aspects, but must specifically focus on its players’ endurance. If this team can figure out how to close out games, they will be able to compete with and win against the best.
This article was edited by Jack Stashower, Penelope Jennings and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Olivia Citarella, Nicole Kariuki, Jaden Anderson, Sabine Kanter-Huchting and Hannah Langenfeld.
