Cortland 23-24

[xcoach]

Lelan Rodgers will be the HC at Cortland. Official announcement on Monday.

[xcoach]

https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/news ... coach.aspx

[Leonard Washington]

It has been 18 years since he was on the sidelines at Cortland and the landscape of lacrosse, especially in the northeast has evolved. (which I'm sure he noticed upon his arrival at Utica). Can he recruit? Sure (not hard to do so at Cortland). Can he coach? Yes, Utica did make (some) improvements in his short tenure there. Can he put aside the ego, connect with his current players and elevate Cortland? TBD. I hope I am wrong on this but just don't see all three of the latter happening. I guess we will see in appx 5 years.

[dp68]

It has been 18 years since he was on the sidelines at Cortland and the landscape of lacrosse, especially in the northeast has evolved. (which I'm sure he noticed upon his arrival at Utica). Can he recruit? Sure (not hard to do so at Cortland). Can he coach? Yes, Utica did make (some) improvements in his short tenure there. Can he put aside the ego, connect with his current players and elevate Cortland? TBD. I hope I am wrong on this but just don't see all three of the latter happening. I guess we will see in appx 5 years.

It can only get better. You're a lax savant, but we disagree on this past season's Cortland roster. I don't believe they were more talented than Geneseo. Certainly they didn't shoot as well, though they had slight size and speed advantages.

Then again, memories of what Cortland lacrosse was up until 2013 color my opinions. That was the last great Cortland team. It took a bizarre officiating call and a fantastic hidden ball trick for RIT to beat Cortland in OT in the NCAA semis. Ever since those seniors graduated, Cortland has a been a shell of its former self.

I credit the 2006 NCAA championship to Rodgers' recruiting and Barnes stepping up big time when SU called Rodgers away. If I'm not mistaken, the star players behind the 2009 NCAA championship under Beville were also Rodgers' recruits. At the very least, they came in because of Barnes. And the great 2013 roster came to Cortland on the heels of the 2009 championship. Outside of that, the recruiting fell off a cliff.

Credit to Beville for winning a national championship. That's something Rodgers hasn't accomplished, though I believe he would have had he not left for SU.

Can he motivate 18-22 y/o's? I don't see why not. Until GG came into SU and cleaned house, Rodgers was the guy responsible for convincing the best lacrosse players in the land to consider SU. That was just a few years ago. I have faith in his ability to motivate this Cortland roster.

The only downside is we won't see any fruit from his recruiting ability until 2025 at the earliest. He might grab a community college transfer or two between now and the coming spring season, but that's about all you can hope for. We'll see what he can do with the solid (though not spectacular) roster Beville recruited.

[xcoach]

Dragons looked sharp in the opener today. They looked faster and more athletic that they have in some time. The ball movement was crisp, and balls weren't getting stuck in sticks. Nice start for the 2nd Rodgers era.

[dp68]

That was my impression too. Better ball movement, more varied sets, speed in the transition game. #7 (d-pole) really impressed me. It appears he transferred in from Farmingdale.

[xcoach]

I'm fully aware that it's a small sample, (2 games) but it appears that Cortland is progressing in the right direction after two convincing wins. It seems evident that Rodgers and staff have the boys' attention. For early in the season the stick work has been crisp, and a heightened urgency on GB's is apparent. Overall, the team looks faster, and ball movement is quick and purposeful, with an absence of dumb, unforced errors. The Dragons have now cleared the roster of 5th and some 6th year players, who it turns out, were getting in the way of many of the kids who are now key participants. The offense in recent years had too many bigger, but not necessarily more athletic pieces. Bigger, power dodgers generally needed more time and space to be effective, resulting in balls getting "stuck" in sticks, while others tried to play off of double teams that never came. This year so far, the ball movement is better, and guys are actually running by people, creating opportunities for off-ball players. The defense is much improved, seemingly faster and more athletic. Cabrini should be a good challenge before the Dragons head to Colorado for some spring break contests. It's early, but things seem to be on the right track.

[MVPiccoli]

Cabrini jabroni dropping by to say thank you. It's been a pleasure watching our boys play your prestigious program over the years. Appreciate the Red Dragons hosting us on Friday and for honoring your commitment when you could have easily gone another route. Best of luck on Friday, for the rest of this season, and in the years to come!

[dp68]

MVP -

Very sorry about Cabrini's decision to close shop. Best wishes to all the grads and current students. You deserve better.

I'll echo XCoach's sentiments. Cortland looks like a very different team this season under the new (again) coaching regime. The defense is faster to the point and can get out and run on a break. Offense shows a lot better dodging and ball movement. Far fewer drops and bad passes.

It's worth noting that the Red Dragons now have two convincing victories over solid teams. Scranton defeated Montclair and Muhlenberg, didn't let Salisbury embarrass them, and lost by 3 to Dickinson. Fisher crushed Brockport and Montclair, and gave St. Lawrence a serious run before falling short. The only head-scratcher on Fisher's record is the opening game loss at Ithaca. I'd take Fisher to win a rematch.

So far, big difference.

[TronLax1]

What an epic battle last night! Two great teams leaving it all on the field! This was a phenomenal lacrosse game! Hopefully they can meet again in the NCAA Tournament for another game in May!

[dp68]

That was a "pump the brakes" result for Cortland. The Red Dragons have issues gathering ground balls. This was especially prevalent on faceoffs, where the wings lost almost every battle to Cabrini. Also, the offense committed all the unforced errors they avoided during the first two games of the season.

Cabrini is a very good team, much better than their early season losses to Lynchburg and Hampden-Sydney suggested. No shame in losing to a team that will be a top-20 fixture within a month. Check out the schedule. If Cabrini knocks off Eastern, they should run the table until the Salisbury game. I could see DeSales and Catholic pushing them, but the way Cabrini looks right now, I believe they're a full tier above their competition.

[dp68]

Cortland's offense looked as good as it has in years against RIT. It wasn't enough, as RIT won the possession battle off the ground and FO. That's a recipe for disaster against one of the best offenses in D3 lax.

The game writeup on Cortland's official site mentioned 10 players who led the team. Having watched the game, I agree with those picks. It's notable that only 1 of the 10 is a senior, though I also thought #7 on D continued to impress (as he has all season). This team should be better next year.

Give Rogers a few years to recruit and I think we might have something here. The improvement from the last few seasons is obvious. I'm also hopeful we'll fill a few needs this offseason with CC transfers.

[dp68]

The Cortland offense vanished against Brockport, as it has a few times this season. Bad interior passing, dodgers unable to beat defenders. Gotta give the Brockport goalie and D credit for an amazing performance. For Cortland, a win is a win.

As much as I like the improvements under Rogers, I feel there is only so much the coaching staff can do with this roster, especially the offense. They need better talent, period.

[dp68]

Potsdam's win over Cortland should serve as a wakeup call. If the Red Dragons wish to be a top-20 Division 3 team again, they have a long way to go.

2024 Positives

Coaching - This team did not have a good enough roster to go 11-5 and 7-0 in SUNY, let alone beat St. John Fisher and Nazareth. They also gave RIT a very tough game on the road before succumbing late. That Coach Rogers and his staff managed to win this many games is a testament to their ability.

Poles - #7 transferred in from Farmingdale and led the team with 51 ground balls, while causing 12 turnovers and playing tight defense. #22 (sophomore) showed promise coming off the bench. But Cortland needs another pole to play alongside #7.

Goalie Play - #29 amassed an amazing 0.605 save percentage. If you're looking for a reason this Cortland team won 11 games, look no further than the goalie. A fair chunk of the credit should go to the defense (poles and middies), who gave very few good looks to opposing offenses.

2024 Negatives

Faceoff Unit - I'm trying to remember a Cortland team that compiled a 47% faceoff percentage over the course of a season and can't. Against Ithaca, this unit lost the battle 20-7 and committed at least 3 30-second violation penalties (I lost count). Get a FOGO. Now.

Offense - This unit desperately, desperately needs an offensive threat who can break down a defense with a dodge. They struggle to make passes in tight quarters and commit way too many unforced turnovers. I can see what the coaches are trying to do with their sets, but they don't have the horses to make it run. If you're a good team (RIT, Fisher, Nazareth, Muhlenberg, Geneseo, Potsdam, etc), there isn't a single Red Dragon offensive threat that you need to gameplan for or slide to. That's not hyperbole. Cortland needs a minimum of 3 new starters on offense next year, be they CC transfers or freshmen.

2025 Outlook

With Geneseo and Brockport leaving for the E8, Cortland will become the favorite to win SUNY, though I have a feeling they shouldn't be. Is Potsdam the next Plattsburgh? I love what they're building up north. I've been a Cortland fan for almost 45 years, and I honestly am more excited about Potsdam going into 2025 than Cortland. The Bears have a good (edited to remove young ) coach and a roster that is more talented than Red Dragon fans think.

It looks like a two-team race between Cortland and Potsdam next season. Oswego completely fell off after the upset win over Naz and can't clear the ball. New Paltz took a major step backward in 2024 with a tiny roster and has a lot to prove, though I contend they are the team with the most untapped potential in SUNY. Oneonta always shows promise, but never puts it together.

If Rogers still has his recruiting magic (did he have enough time? Beville announced his retirement awfully late, and then it took until fall before Cortland named Rogers as coach), then we should see several new faces in 2025 who will push for starting roles. New faces are the answer. The current roster might be good enough to challenge Potsdam for the league title, but it won't get them into the D3 top-20.

[DeepPocket]

2024 Negatives

Offense - This unit desperately, desperately needs an offensive threat who can break down a defense with a dodge. They struggle to make passes in tight quarters and commit way too many unforced turnovers. I can see what the coaches are trying to do with their sets, but they don't have the horses to make it run. If you're a good team (RIT, Fisher, Nazareth, Muhlenberg, Geneseo, Potsdam, etc), there isn't a single Red Dragon offensive threat that you need to gameplan for or slide to. That's not hyperbole. Cortland needs a minimum of 3 new starters on offense next year, be they CC transfers or freshmen.

I think Swedlund will be a weapon for them going forward. The 6’3” 225 lb Cabrini flip freshman saw some action this year, but will only get better as he develops.

He has a strong box background, so tight quarter passing and dodging should be right up his alley. TBH, I expected him to get much more opportunity this year than he did.

[Leonard Washington]

The Bears have a good young coach and a roster that is more talented than Red Dragon fans think.

Berkman... good... yes. Young? Well I guess you're only as old as you feel.

All jokes aside, great post dp68.

Potsdam preseason #1 next year?

I don't see why not. Glad someone finally stepped up and is able to challenge Cortland (sorry Oneonta), at least this and next year before Berkman (possibly) rides off into the sunset and his Junior class graduates.

Competition is good and things take time. Has Cortland completely fallen off the map? On the field, just watch the third quarter of the RIT game this year and you'll have your answer. Off the field, look at the disciplined (and different) approach LR has taken. Signs of life and promise for the (real) Red Dragons

[dp68]

The Bears have a good young coach and a roster that is more talented than Red Dragon fans think.

Berkman... good... yes. Young? Well I guess you're only as old as you feel.

Good call. He's younger than me, so I set the bar different than most

[dp68]

2024 Negatives

Offense - This unit desperately, desperately needs an offensive threat who can break down a defense with a dodge. They struggle to make passes in tight quarters and commit way too many unforced turnovers. I can see what the coaches are trying to do with their sets, but they don't have the horses to make it run. If you're a good team (RIT, Fisher, Nazareth, Muhlenberg, Geneseo, Potsdam, etc), there isn't a single Red Dragon offensive threat that you need to gameplan for or slide to. That's not hyperbole. Cortland needs a minimum of 3 new starters on offense next year, be they CC transfers or freshmen.

I think Swedlund will be a weapon for them going forward. The 6’3” 225 lb Cabrini flip freshman saw some action this year, but will only get better as he develops.

He has a strong box background, so tight quarter passing and dodging should be right up his alley. TBH, I expected him to get much more opportunity this year than he did.

I hope you're right. I had high hopes for Swedlund after spotting the Cabrini commitment. TBH his play was pretty sloppy at times. That concerns me. But he has the size and skills to make a difference. Given the bare cupboard, I feel like he could have played more as a frosh. There was no one ahead of him that reminded me of past Cortland players.

[dp68]

Competition is good and things take time. Has Cortland completely fallen off the map? On the field, just watch the third quarter of the RIT game this year and you'll have your answer. Off the field, look at the disciplined (and different) approach LR has taken. Signs of life and promise for the (real) Red Dragons

Agree 100%. The RIT game convinced me Cortland would win the SUNY, but that was obviously the high water mark. When the offense clicked, the Red Dragons showed the ability to push one of the nation's best teams. But I can count on two fingers the times the offense clicked in 2024.

I have faith in LR's coaching, on and off the field. The question is recruiting. I don't know if he had ample opportunity to sell 2025 freshmen on Cortland's program after Beville left. A few CC or four-year transfers would plug holes in the ship and give him a few pieces he desperately needs. Otherwise, I think Cortland is at least a few years away from being a legit top-20 team. I'd love to know who he is targeting. 2001-2005 was a fun time. 2006 under Barnes was extra fun.

[DeepPocket]

2024 Negatives

Offense - This unit desperately, desperately needs an offensive threat who can break down a defense with a dodge. They struggle to make passes in tight quarters and commit way too many unforced turnovers. I can see what the coaches are trying to do with their sets, but they don't have the horses to make it run. If you're a good team (RIT, Fisher, Nazareth, Muhlenberg, Geneseo, Potsdam, etc), there isn't a single Red Dragon offensive threat that you need to gameplan for or slide to. That's not hyperbole. Cortland needs a minimum of 3 new starters on offense next year, be they CC transfers or freshmen.

I think Swedlund will be a weapon for them going forward. The 6’3” 225 lb Cabrini flip freshman saw some action this year, but will only get better as he develops.

He has a strong box background, so tight quarter passing and dodging should be right up his alley. TBH, I expected him to get much more opportunity this year than he did.

I hope you're right. I had high hopes for Swedlund after spotting the Cabrini commitment. TBH his play was pretty sloppy at times. That concerns me. But he has the size and skills to make a difference. Given the bare cupboard, I feel like he could have played more as a frosh. There was no one ahead of him that reminded me of past Cortland players.

Definitely the down side to box players. No out of bounds leads to many “creative” pass and shot attempts, that coaches would have you on the line running sprints afterwards for trying in the field game.

I think he has a bright future.