In a season marked by highs and lows, California Redwoods midfielder Brian Tevlin expressed his heartfelt sentiments following the team's recent playoff exit. After their quarterfinal loss to the Denver Outlaws, Tevlin emphasized the camaraderie within the team, highlighting their resilience during the second half of the game. Despite his pride in his teammates, the sting of consecutive playoff defeats to the Outlaws weighed heavily on him.
General manager Joe Spallina, who constructed the roster that Tevlin admires, shared similar feelings of disappointment. "With a small amount of teams in this league, I think it’s championship or bust every year, and we didn’t meet expectations," Spallina stated. He acknowledged the team's early success, noting that they started the season strong, winning four of their first six games and briefly holding the top spot in the Western Conference. However, he lamented missed opportunities during the regular season, which ultimately affected their playoff performance.
The Redwoods showcased a mix of impressive plays and frustrating inconsistencies throughout the season. Their early games were characterized by strong defense and standout performances from players like veteran goalie Dillon Ward and offensive star Dylan Molloy. Yet, as the season progressed, the team struggled to maintain their momentum. Close losses, such as a heartbreaking defeat against the Philadelphia Waterdogs and a significant blowout by the Whipsnakes, revealed a troubling trend of inconsistency.
Offensively, the Redwoods often displayed bursts of scoring, only to falter in subsequent quarters. For instance, in their season opener against the Utah Archers, they scored seven goals in the first half but managed only two in the second. This pattern continued throughout the season, with games where the offense thrived while the defense faltered, leading to missed chances for victory.
The playoff game against the Outlaws epitomized these struggles. After a competitive first quarter, the Redwoods allowed Denver to dominate the second quarter, resulting in a five-goal deficit by halftime. Spallina pointed out, "You can’t have big drops like that if you want to be able to win," emphasizing the need for greater consistency in their performance.
Looking ahead, Spallina acknowledged that addressing the team's inconsistency would be a complex challenge. However, he remained optimistic about the future, citing the valuable experience gained by players throughout the season, particularly in the face of injuries. He praised the performance of the short-stick defensive midfielders, calling them among the best in the league.
Despite the ups and downs, there were positive signs for the Redwoods. The team improved in key offensive metrics, including assists per game and shooting percentage. Additionally, rookies Finn Thomson and Ryan Croddick made significant contributions, with Spallina noting Croddick's potential as a top draft pick if he were eligible.
As the Redwoods prepare for the offseason, Spallina expressed interest in retaining veteran goalie Dillon Ward, among others, whose contracts are set to expire. Reflecting on the season, he found solace in the way the team finished against the Outlaws, nearly overcoming a six-goal deficit to lose by just one point, 15-14. This performance provided a glimmer of hope for what lies ahead.
"We feel like we’re really close," Spallina concluded, echoing sentiments shared by teammate Chris Kavanagh, who remarked on the ever-evolving nature of their journey in professional lacrosse. As the Redwoods look to the future, they remain focused on the next chapter in their quest for a championship.
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