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Carolina Chaos
Carolina Chaos
from Wikipedia

The Carolina Chaos are a professional field lacrosse team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that competes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). The Chaos are one of the six founding members of the PLL for the 2019 season. Notable players include Blaze Riorden, Jarrod Neumann and Troy Reh. Chaos were crowned PLL Champions for the first time in team history with a 14 - 9 victory over the Whipsnakes in the 2021 PLL Championship.

Key Information

Roster

[edit]
2025 Carolina Chaos Lacrosse Club
# Name Nationality Position Shot Height Weight College Grad year High school Hometown Ref.
0 Blaze Riorden (C) United States Goalie Left 6 ft 0 in 230 lbs Albany 2016 Fairport Fairport, New York [1]
3 Chris Aslanian Out United States Midfield R/L 6 ft 3 in 205 lbs Hobart 2019 Hun Westfield, New Jersey [2]
8 Adam Charlambides Canada Attack Left 6 ft 2 in 195 lbs Rutgers 2021 The Hill Academy Georgetown, Ontario [3]
9 Ray Dearth United States Defensive Midfield Right 6 ft 2 in 205 lbs Harvard 2025 Ridgefield Ridgefield, Connecticut [4]
10 Troy Reh United States Long Stick Midfield Right 5 ft 11 in 185 lbs Albany 2018 Rocky Point Rocky Point, New York [5]
14 Austin Kaut United States Goalie Left 6 ft 1 in 225 lbs Penn State 2014 Springfield-Delco Morton, Pennsylvania [6]
15 Ross Scott United States Attack Right 5 ft 9 in 175 lbs Rutgers 2024 West Linn West Linn, Oregon [7]
16 Mark Glicini (C) United States Defensive Midfield Right 6 ft 1 in 200 lbs Yale 2016 Deerfield Mahwah, New Jersey [8]
18 Scott Smith United States Defense Right 6 ft 1 in 210 lbs Johns Hopkins 2024 Conestoga Berwyn, Pennsylvania [9]
19 Jackson Eicher United States Attack Right 6 ft 4 in 220 lbs Army 2025 Episcopal Warrenton, Virginia [10]
22 Cross Ferrara United States Midfield R/L 6 ft 2 in 190 lbs Salisbury 2023 Appoquinimink Greenville, Delaware [11]
27 Shane Knobloch Out United States Midfield R/L 5 ft 9 in 200 lbs Rutgers 2024 Moorestown Moorestown, New Jersey [12]
30 Sergio Perkovic Out United States Midfield R/L 6 ft 4 in 225 lbs Notre Dame 2017 Brother Rice Bloomfield Hills, Michigan [13]
38 Greg Langermeier United States Defensive Midfield Right 6 ft 0 in 195 lbs Ohio State 2025 St. Ignatius Westlake, Ohio [14]
40 Garrett Degnon United States Midfield R/L 6 ft 4 in 215 lbs Johns Hopkins 2024 DeMatha Harwood, Maryland [15]
43 Jack Posey United States Defense Right 6 ft 1 in 210 lbs Penn State 2024 Freedom South Riding, Virginia [16]
45 Justin Inacio Canada Faceoff Right 5 ft 10 in 188 lbs Ohio State 2022 The Hill Academy Oakville, Ontario [17]
51 JJ Sillstrop United States Attack Left 5 ft 10 in 190 lbs Denver 2024 La Costa Canyon Encinitas, California [18]
60 Levi Verch Canada Defense Left 6 ft 2 in 219 lbs Saint Joseph's 2025 Claremont Secondary Victoria, British Columbia [19]
66 Eric Dobson United States Midfield R/L 6 ft 5 in 235 lbs Notre Dame 2024 Fleming Island Fleming Island, Florida [20]
73 Nick Rowlett United States Faceoff Right 6 ft 0 in 180 lbs Michigan 2023 Robinson Burke, Virginia [21]
77 Owen Hiltz Canada Attack Left 5 ft 8 in 186 lbs Syracuse 2025 Culver Academy Peterborough, Ontario [22]
79 Josh Zawada United States Attack R/L 6 ft 1 in 180 lbs Duke 2024 The Hill Academy Raleigh, North Carolina [23]
88 Jarrod Neumann (C) United States Defense Right 6 ft 4 in 230 lbs Providence 2017 Bridgton Academy Northampton, Massachusetts [24]
99 Jack Rowlett United States Defense Right 6 ft 1 in 195 lbs North Carolina 2019 Robinson Burke, Virginia [25]

*Indicates player is on Unavailable to Travel list

**Indicates player is on Physically Unable to Perform list

^Indicates player is on holdout list

(C) indicates captain

Source:[26]

Coaching staff

[edit]

All-time draft selections

[edit]

2019

Rnd. Pick # Player Pos. College Conf. 2019 Accolades
1 6 Johnny Surdick Defense Army Patriot League Schmeisser Award Winner (National Defenseman of the Year), First-Team All-American, Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team Patriot League
2 7 Jack Rowlett Defense North Carolina Atlantic Coast Conference Third-Team All-American, First-Team ACC
3 18 Greyson Torain Midfield Navy Patriot League First-Team Patriot League
4 19 Austin Henningsen Faceoff Maryland Big Ten Conference


2020 Entry Draft

The 2020 player entry draft occurred on March 16 for teams to select players arriving from rival Major League Lacrosse. On March 4, Paul Burmeister and NBCSN hosted an entry draft lottery for selection order. Out of 100 balls to select from, Waterdogs had 40, Chrome had 25, Atlas had 15, Archers had 10, Chaos had 6, Redwoods had 3, and the champion Whipsnakes had 1.

Rob Pannell was announced to be transferring to the PLL on March 9, followed by 15 other players the following day, which comprised the selection pool for the entry draft. A total of 14 players were selected in the entry draft with remaining new players entering the league player pool.

Draft results
Rnd. Pick # Player Pos. College
1 7 Dillon Ward Goalie Bellarmine
2 14 Jason Noble Midfield Cornell

2020 College Draft

Rnd. Pick # Player Pos. College Notes
1 5 Matt Gaudet Attack Yale
2 12 Jeff Teat Attack Cornell Teat would return to Cornell for a fifth season

2021 Entry Draft

Rnd. Pick # Player Pos. College
1 8 Max Adler Face-off Bentley
2 16 Challen Rogers Midfield Stony Brook
3 24 Kyle Jackson Midfield Michigan

2021 College Draft

Rnd. Pick # Player Pos. College
1 6 Mac O'Keefe Attack Penn State
2 14 Kyle Gallagher Face-off Notre Dame
2 15 Tanner Cook Midfield North Carolina
3 19 Jared Bernhardt Attack Maryland
3 22 Kyle Thornton Defense Notre Dame
4 30 Ryan Smith Attack Robert Morris

2022 College Draft

Round Pick Player Position College
1 6 Brett Kennedy Defense Syracuse
1 8 Zach Geddes SSDM Georgetown
2 16 Jonathan Donville Attack Maryland
4 32 Kevin Lindley Attack Loyola

2023 College Draft

Round Pick Player Position College
1 7 Will Bowen Defense Georgetown
2 15 Brian Minicus Attack Georgetown
3 17 Tye Kurtz Attack Delaware
3 23 Nick Rowlett Faceoff Michigan
4 31 Levi Anderson Attack Saint Joseph's

2024 College Draft

Round Pick Player Position College
1 4 Shane Knobloch Midfield Rutgers
2 12 Eric Dobson Midfield Notre Dame
3 20 Ross Scott Attack Rutgers
4 28 Dylan Hess Midfield Georgetown

2025 College Draft

Round Pick Player Position College
1 8 Owen Hiltz Attack Syracuse
2 13 Levi Verch Defense Saint Joseph's
2 16 Jack McDonald LSM Maryland

Season results

[edit]
2019
Week Location Date Opponent Result
1 Boston, Massachusetts June 2, 2019 Whipsnakes L 14-15 (OT)
2 New York, New York June 9, 2019 Atlas W 18–13
3 Chicago, Illinois June 15, 2019 Redwoods W 12–11 (OT)
4 Baltimore, Maryland June 23, 2019 Archers W 14–13
5 Atlanta, Georgia June 29, 2019 Chrome W 15–14 (OT)
6 Washington, DC July 7, 2019 Chrome L 11-19
All-Star Break Los Angeles, California July 21, 2019 All-Star Game N/A
7 Denver, Colorado July 27, 2019 Whipsnakes W 13-12
8 San Jose, California August 10, 2019 Redwoods W 13–10
9 Hamilton, Ontario August 17, 2019 Archers W 11-10 (OT)
10 Albany, New York August 25, 2019 Atlas L 9-12
Playoffs Round 1 Columbus, Ohio September 6–7, 2019 Whipsnakes L 7-15
Playoffs Round 2 New York, New York September 14, 2019 Redwoods L 7-10
2020
Game Location Date Opponent Result
1 Herriman, Utah July 25, 2020 Chrome L 9–13
2 Herriman, Utah July 29, 2020 Redwoods L 7–8
3 Herriman, Utah July 31, 2020 Whipsnakes L 7–12
4 Herriman, Utah August 1, 2020 Waterdogs L 9–10
5 (Elimination) Herriman, Utah August 4, 2020 Chrome W 19–14
6 (Semifinal) Herriman, Utah August 6, 2020 Archers W 13–9
7 (PLL Championship) Herriman, Utah August 9, 2020 Whipsnakes L 6–12
2021
Game Location Date Opponent Result
1 Foxborough, Massachusetts June 5, 2021 Whipsnakes L 7–13
2 Kennesaw, Georgia June 11, 2021 Waterdogs L 12–14
3 Kennesaw, Georgia June 13, 2021 Archers L 8–12
4 Baltimore, Maryland June 26, 2021 Redwoods W 11–9
5 Hempstead, New York July 3, 2021 Cannons W 14–10
6 Eagan, Minnesota July 10, 2021 Atlas L 10–16
7 Colorado Springs, Colorado August 1, 2021 Chrome W 14–12
8 Albany, New York August 13, 2021 Archers W 11–9
9 Albany, New York August 15, 2021 Redwoods L 9–10
10 (Quarterfinal) Sandy, Utah August 20, 2021 Archers W 13–10
11 (Semifinal) Chester, Pennsylvania September 5, 2021 Atlas W 15–9
11 (Championship) Washington D.C. September 19, 2021 Whipsnakes W 14–9
2022
Game Location Date Opponent Result
1 Albany, New York June 4 Whipsnakes L 8–9
2 Charlotte, North Carolina June 10 Archers L 12–17
3 Hempstead, New York June 18 Redwoods L 7–11
4 Baltimore, Maryland June 24 Waterdogs L 9–18
5 Eagan, Minnesota July 2 Cannons W 13–11
6 Fairfield, Connecticut July 23 Whipsnakes L 12–14
7 Frisco, Texas July 31 Redwoods W 14–12
8 Denver, Colorado August 6 Chrome L 9–13
9 Herriman, Utah August 13 Archers L 8–11
10 Tacoma, Washington August 21 Atlas L 9–10
11 (Quarterfinal) Foxborough, Massachusetts September 3 Chrome W 11–3
12 (Semifinal) Washington D.C. September 11 Archers W 9–7
13 (Championship) Chester, Pennsylvania September 18 Waterdogs L 9–11
2023
Game Location Date Opponent Result
1 Albany, New York June 4 Waterdogs L 7–8 (OT)
2 Charlotte, North Carolina June 10 Cannons W 14–13
3 Columbus, Ohio June 17 Archers W 15–10
4 Eagan, Minnesota July 9 Redwoods L 8–13
5 Fairfield, Connecticut July 15 Atlas W 15–11
6 Frisco, Texas July 30 Whipsnakes L 16–17
7 Baltimore, Maryland August 6 Redwoods W 14–12
8 Denver, Colorado August 11 Whipsnakes L 10–12
9 Tacoma, Washington August 19 Waterdogs L 8–13
10 Herriman, Utah August 26 Chrome W 13–7
11 (Quarterfinal) Foxborough, Massachusetts September 4 Redwoods L 9–15
2024
Game Location Date Opponent Result
1 Albany, New York June 2 Outlaws W 16–11
2 Charlotte, North Carolina June 7 Redwoods W 12–11
3 Charlotte, North Carolina June 8 Atlas L 12–15
4 Villanova, Pennsylvania June 15 Archers L 7–9
5 Eagan, Minnesota June 29 Waterdogs L 6–10
6 Fairfield, Connecticut July 19 Whipsnakes W 10–9
7 San Diego, California July 27 Redwoods L 8–10
8 Baltimore, Maryland August 4 Archers W 15–14
9 Denver, Colorado August 10 Outlaws L 4–10
10 Herriman, Utah August 16 Cannons L 10–11
11 (Quarterfinal) Foxborough, Massachusetts September 2 Cannons W 8–4
12 (Semifinal) Uniondale, New York September 7 Archers L 1–10

PLL Award Winners

[edit]

Jim Brown Most Valuable Player

Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year

  • Jarrod Neumann: 2019

Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year

Dick Edell Coach of the Year

Brendan Looney Leadership Award

Jimmy Regan Teammate of the Year

Head coaches

[edit]
# Name Term Regular Season Playoffs
GP W L Pct GP W L Pct
1 Andy Towers 2019 - 2024 53 22 31 .415 14 8 6 .571
2 Roy Colsey 2025 - 0 0 0 0 0 0

All-time record vs. PLL Clubs

[edit]
Opponent Won Lost Percentage Streak
Archers 8 5 .615 Lost 1
Atlas 3 4 .429 Lost 1
Cannons 4 1 .800 Won 1
Outlaws 6 4 .600 Lost 1
Redwoods 6 7 .462 Lost 1
Waterdogs 0 7 .000 Lost 7
Whipsnakes 4 9 .308 Won 1
Totals 31 37 .456

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Carolina Chaos is a professional men's field lacrosse team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that competes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Originally founded as the Chaos Lacrosse Club in 2019 as one of the PLL's inaugural six franchises, the team adopted its current name, Carolina Chaos, ahead of the 2024 season to better reflect its Southern roots and growing presence in the region. The PLL, established that same year, revolutionized professional lacrosse by implementing a touring model with games across major U.S. cities, allowing teams like the Chaos to build a national fanbase while emphasizing player development and innovation in the sport. Under head coach Roy Colsey, the team has focused on aggressive defensive strategies and high-scoring offenses, drawing talent from top collegiate programs and international players. The Chaos quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the league, reaching the PLL Championship game in both 2020 and 2022, and securing the franchise's first title in 2021 by defeating the Whipsnakes 14-9 in the final. This championship victory highlighted the team's resilience during the league's early years, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptions to schedules and venues. Notable contributors to their success include standout goalie Blaze Riorden, known for record-setting performances such as a 25-save game in 2025, and attackman Owen Hiltz, a 2025 rookie who has emerged as a key offensive threat. As of the 2025 season, the Carolina Chaos finished the regular season with a 5-5 record in the Western Conference before falling 14-12 to the Redwoods in the PLL Quarterfinals, underscoring their competitive edge amid roster adjustments and injuries to key players. The team's "Southern swagger" branding, embodied in their navy, red, and gold uniforms, has fostered a dedicated following in the Carolinas, with home games drawing crowds to venues like American Legion Memorial Stadium. Beyond on-field play, the Chaos emphasizes community engagement through youth clinics and partnerships with local lacrosse organizations, contributing to the sport's growth in the Southeast.

History

Founding

The Chaos Lacrosse Club was established in 2019 as one of the six founding franchises of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), a professional field lacrosse league co-founded by brothers Paul Rabil, a prominent player and investor, and Mike Rabil, a serial entrepreneur. The league's inaugural season commenced on June 1, 2019, with the other original teams being the Archers LC, Atlas LC, Chrome LC, Redwoods LC, and Whipsnakes LC, all announced together on February 26, 2019. This formation marked a significant restructuring of professional lacrosse in North America, absorbing top talent from the dissolving Major League Lacrosse and emphasizing player empowerment under the PLL's "We the Players" initiative. From its inception, the PLL, including the Chaos, operated under a touring model without designated home markets, scheduling games across 12 major U.S. cities over a 14-week season to maximize national exposure and accessibility for fans. This approach drew inspiration from international sports like global soccer tours, allowing teams to compete on a neutral, high-profile stage rather than being tied to specific locales. The Chaos name was selected as part of the league's imaginative branding process to evoke a style of play characterized by passion, sting, unseeded intensity, and tremendous energy, aligning with the team's scorpion logo and black-red color scheme. Roster construction for the Chaos began with free agency in early 2019, where professional players from prior leagues self-selected teams via a player-led social media campaign to promote competitive balance and chemistry, avoiding concentrations from former squads. This was supplemented by the inaugural PLL College Draft on April 24, 2019, held at NBC Sports studios, where the Chaos made key selections such as defensive standout Jack Rowlett from North Carolina in the second round and midfielder Austin Henningsen from Maryland in the fourth round to bolster their lineup with recent college talent. The resulting inaugural roster featured a mix of established pros like attackman Josh Byrne and emerging players, setting the foundation for the team's disruptive on-field identity.

2021 championship season

The 2021 season represented a turning point for the Chaos, who compiled a 4-5 regular season record that belied their postseason potential. Despite inconsistencies, the team secured crucial victories, including a 14-10 win over the Boston Cannons on July 3 and a 14-12 victory against the California Chrome on August 1, demonstrating their ability to compete with top contenders. These performances, combined with contributions from midfielders like Dhane Smith, provided the offensive firepower needed to build momentum heading into the playoffs. The Chaos' playoff run began in the quarterfinals with a 13-10 victory over the Utah Archers on August 20, 2021, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, where Smith's multi-point effort helped overcome an early deficit. Advancing as the No. 6 seed, they dominated the semifinals against the New York Atlas on September 5, 2021, winning 15-9 behind a balanced attack that included goals from multiple contributors and solid defensive play limiting Atlas' potent offense. Under head coach Andy Towers, the team's strategy focused on high-pressure defense and efficient transitions, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks to outpace higher-seeded opponents. The championship culminated on September 19, 2021, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., where the Chaos faced the two-time defending champion Maryland Whipsnakes. Trailing briefly after an early Whipsnakes goal, the Chaos responded with a 4-1 first-quarter surge, ignited by Max Adler's momentum-shifting goal and supported by goals from Chase Fraser and others. They extended their lead in the third quarter with three unanswered scores from Fraser, Josh Byrne, and Chris Cloutier, while the defense, anchored by goaltender Blaze Riorden's 15 saves, restricted Whipsnakes stars Matt Rambo and Zed Williams to just two combined points. Fraser finished with four goals, and Smith added six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in the 14-9 triumph, earning Riorden the Jim Brown Most Valuable Player award for his standout performance. This victory marked the Chaos' first PLL title, solidifying their reputation as resilient underdogs and launching a period of sustained contention in the league.

Transition to territorial franchise

In May 2023, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) announced its transition to assigning each of its eight teams to specific home cities starting with the 2024 season, marking a shift from a fully touring model to one that incorporates regional franchises while retaining weekend doubleheaders across multiple locations. This initiative aimed to foster deeper community ties and fan loyalty by rooting teams in geographic areas, with fan voting influencing the selections from June 3 to June 10, 2023. On November 14, 2023, the PLL officially assigned the Chaos to the Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area as its home market, rebranding the team from Chaos LC to Carolina Chaos to better reflect its regional identity and appeal to fans across the Carolinas and Southeast. This move built on the team's 2021 championship success, providing a foundation for long-term stability in the evolving league structure. The Carolina Chaos became one of four teams in the league's new Eastern Conference, joining the New York Atlas, Boston Cannons, and Philadelphia Waterdogs. The team's inaugural home games took place during the 2024 season's "Homecoming Weekend" on June 7-8 at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, where they hosted doubleheaders against visiting PLL opponents as part of eight such homestand weekends throughout the regular season. To support this territorial shift, the PLL launched community engagement initiatives tailored to Charlotte, including PLL Youth programs offering team-branded lacrosse clinics and events to increase youth participation and local awareness. Partnerships, such as with Whirlpool Brand, facilitated fan experience enhancements like dedicated supporter groups and in-market activations, contributing to early fan base growth in the region. These efforts targeted the Southeast's untapped lacrosse audience, with initial attendance at the 2024 Charlotte events drawing a dedicated crowd to the historic stadium.

Franchise

Ownership and branding

The Carolina Chaos has been owned by the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) since its founding as one of the league's six original teams in 2019, operating under a single-entity structure in which the PLL centrally owns and manages all franchises without independent team ownership. This model allows the league to control player contracts, operations, and national media rights while distributing revenues centrally, including limited sharing mechanisms such as even allocation of expansion fees and shared sponsorship income to support overall league growth. The team's branding originated with the Chaos LC identity in 2019, featuring a primary logo of a black scorpion within a silver shield, symbolizing disorder and intensity, paired with a color palette of black, white, and accents of gold to evoke raw energy and disruption on the field. In November 2023, ahead of the PLL's shift to territorial franchises the following year, the team rebranded as the Carolina Chaos, updating its logo to incorporate a stylized tribal scorpion motif with regional Southern elements like bold, swagger-infused typography to reflect its new Charlotte, North Carolina base. Marketing efforts for the Carolina Chaos emphasize themes of physicality and on-field disruption, centered around the scorpion mascot and slogans such as "Cause Chaos" and "Southern Swagger, Carolina Style" to build fan engagement through apparel, social media campaigns, and event promotions that highlight the team's aggressive playstyle. These strategies align with the PLL's broader revenue model by leveraging local market ties for targeted merchandise sales and sponsorships while maintaining league-wide consistency.

Home venue

The Carolina Chaos established American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, as their primary home venue upon transitioning to a territorial franchise in 2024. The stadium, renovated in 2021, features a capacity of 10,500 spectators, including 9,500 fixed seats, making it suitable for professional lacrosse events. Equipped with pro sports-quality artificial turf, the venue supports the fast-paced demands of field lacrosse while accommodating other sports. It includes LED lighting for night games, enabling evening matchups that align with the Premier Lacrosse League's broadcast schedule. Located in the Elizabeth neighborhood, the stadium sits just minutes from Uptown Charlotte, facilitating easy access for the urban fan base and contributing to its role as a community hub. The Chaos utilize local Charlotte-area complexes and fields for training and practices, leveraging the region's growing lacrosse infrastructure to prepare for home games. Since 2024, home games at the stadium have drawn increasing attendance as part of the league's overall growth in fan engagement. The atmosphere has been marked by high energy, fueled by the "Red Legion" supporters group, which has emerged as one of the league's most passionate fan sections, enhancing the electric environment during matches.

Personnel

Current roster

The Carolina Chaos' 2025 roster consists of 23 active players, blending experienced veterans from the team's 2021 championship-winning squad with promising newcomers acquired through the 2025 PLL College Draft and free agency. Key contributors include Canadian playmaker Owen Hiltz, who was selected eighth overall in the draft and brings dynamic offensive vision from his Syracuse University career, including 46 goals and 27 assists in his senior year (2025) where he earned USILA All-America Third Team honors, and attackman Jackson Eicher, an undrafted free agent signee in 2025 whose senior year at Army featured 54 goals and 31 assists, along with three Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week awards. The roster emphasizes a balanced attack with four dedicated forwards, a deep midfield unit for transitions, and a stout defense anchored by long-time captains. As of November 2025, no major injuries or trades have altered the lineup since the April departure of former attackman Josh Byrne. Following the 2025 season, the roster saw no major changes. Notable 2025 performances include rookie Owen Hiltz's 17 points in limited games and Blaze Riorden's league-high save percentage, highlighted by a 25-save game.
No.NameNationalityPositionHeightWeightCollegeNotable Stats (Prior Seasons/College)
8Adam CharalambidesCanadaAttack6'2"195Rutgers15 goals, 12 assists in 2024 PLL season
19Jackson EicherUSAAttack6'4"220Army54 goals, 31 assists in senior year (2025)
77Owen HiltzCanadaAttack5'8"187Syracuse46 goals, 27 assists in senior year (2025)
79Josh ZawadaUSAAttack6'1"200Duke12 goals in 2024 PLL season
3Chris AslanianUSAMidfield6'3"210Hobart10 assists in 2024
40Garrett DegnonUSAMidfield6'4"215Johns Hopkins2021 PLL Champion; 8 goals in 2024
66Eric DobsonUSAMidfield6'5"220Notre Dame14 goals, 17 assists in senior year (2024); 2024 PLL draftee
22Cross FerraraUSAMidfield6'2"190Salisbury2021 PLL Champion; defensive specialist
27Shane KnoblochUSAMidfield5'9"180Rutgers9 goals, 7 assists in 2024
30Sergio PerkovicUSAMidfield6'4"205Notre Dame11 ground balls per game avg. in 2024
15Ross ScottUSAMidfield5'9"175RutgersSpeedy transition player; 5 goals in 2024
51JJ SillstropUSAMidfield5'10"185Denver7 assists in 2024
4Cole WilliamsUSAMidfield6'5"225Johns Hopkins2021 PLL Champion; physical presence
9Ray DearthUSADef. Midfield6'2"205Harvard2025 draftee; strong on-ball defender
16Mark Glicini (C)USADef. Midfield6'1"190Yale2021 PLL Champion; 20 caused turnovers in 2024
38Greg LangermeierUSADef. Midfield6'0"195Ohio State2025 draftee; versatile SSDM
10Troy RehUSALong Stick Mid5'11"200Albany2021 PLL Champion; 15 caused turnovers in 2024
60Levi VerchUSALong Stick Mid6'2"206Saint Joseph's2025 draftee; elite stick work
88Jarrod Neumann (C)USADefense6'4"210Providence2021 PLL Champion; team captain, 25 caused turnovers career avg.
43Jack PoseyUSADefense6'1"195Penn StateAgile close defender; 10 blocks in 2024
99Jack RowlettUSADefense6'1"190North Carolina12 caused turnovers in 2024
18Scott SmithUSADefense6'1"200Johns Hopkins2025 draftee; shutdown specialist
45Justin InacioUSAFaceoff5'10"185Ohio State55% faceoff win rate in 2024
73Nick RowlettUSAFaceoff6'0"195MichiganBackup FO; strong ground ball recovery
14Austin KautUSAGoalie6'1"180Penn State.550 save % in backup role 2024
0Blaze Riorden (C)USAGoalie6'0"185Albany2021 PLL Champion; league-leading .610 save % in 2024
This composition highlights six players from the 2021 championship core—such as goalie Blaze Riorden, defender Jarrod Neumann, and defensive midfielder Mark Glicini—who provide leadership and stability, while seven 2025 draft selections along with undrafted free agent Jackson Eicher, like Hiltz and Verch, inject youth and speed into the lineup. The group's average height exceeds 6'1", supporting a physically imposing style on both ends of the field.

Coaching staff

The Carolina Chaos' coaching staff for the 2025 season underwent a complete overhaul following the 2024 campaign, with all key positions filled by new hires emphasizing defensive solidity and hybrid lacrosse tactics drawn from both field and box experiences. Head coach Roy Colsey, appointed on January 30, 2025, leads the group with a philosophy centered on building team chemistry through a balanced, adaptable system that prioritizes a robust defense as the foundation while incorporating one-handed play to maximize player strengths. Colsey's approach draws from his extensive professional background, including three Major League Lacrosse championships and indoor lacrosse expertise, fostering resilience and strategic versatility to elevate the team's competitiveness. In April 2025, the staff expanded with the addition of two assistant coaches, Kyle Sweeney and Matt Mackrides, selected for their proven track records in player development and professional play. Sweeney, a three-time All-American at Georgetown University and a 2023 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee, focuses on defensive coordination, leveraging his experience as a former MLL and NLL standout to maintain the Chaos' league-leading defensive efficiency from the prior season. Mackrides, who serves as head coach at Malvern Preparatory School and played collegiately at Penn State, contributes offensive strategy informed by six MLL seasons with the Chesapeake Bayhawks and Atlanta Blaze, aiding in the integration of college and pro talent. The full 2025 coaching staff is detailed below, highlighting roles and key prior experiences in professional, collegiate, or high school lacrosse:
RoleNameBackground
Head CoachRoy ColseyProfessional Lacrosse Hall of Famer (2023); four-time All-American at Syracuse University; three-time MLL champion with Boston Cannons; head coach at Ridgefield High School (CT).
Assistant CoachKyle SweeneyNational Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee (2023); three-time All-American at Georgetown University; professional player in MLL (Boston Cannons) and NLL (Buffalo Bandits, Philadelphia Wings).
Assistant CoachMatt MackridesHead boys' lacrosse coach at Malvern Preparatory School; All-American at Penn State University; six-season MLL veteran with Chesapeake Bayhawks and Atlanta Blaze.
Support staff, including strength and conditioning coaches and the medical team, play a vital role in enhancing player durability and performance, though specific 2025 personnel details remain under assembly by Colsey to align with the team's physical demands. These hires represent a strategic shift post-2024, building continuity from the franchise's historical emphasis on defensive prowess under prior leadership.

Head coaches

The Carolina Chaos have had two head coaches since the team's inception as part of the inaugural Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) class in 2019. Andy Towers served as the franchise's first head coach, guiding the team through its early years and to its lone PLL championship. Following a period of inconsistent performance, Towers resigned at the end of the 2024 season, paving the way for Roy Colsey to take over in 2025 with a mandate to revitalize the squad.
CoachTenureRegular Season RecordPlayoff Record
Andy Towers2019–202424–323–4
Roy Colsey2025–present5–50–1
Andy Towers, a veteran coach with prior experience at Dartmouth College, led the Chaos from 2019 to 2024, compiling a regular season record of 24 wins and 32 losses across six seasons. His tenure peaked in 2021, when the Chaos captured the PLL championship with a 14–9 victory over the Maryland Whipsnakes in the final, despite a middling 4–5 regular season mark. Towers' coaching philosophy emphasized offensive innovation, particularly through a pairs-based system that promoted dynamic ball movement and high-tempo attacks, which contributed to the team's playoff success in four of his six seasons, including back-to-back championship appearances in 2020 and 2021. However, post-2021 performance dips—marked by sub-.500 finishes in 2022 (2–8) and 2024 (4–6)—prompted internal pressures, culminating in his resignation alongside his staff amid reported league efforts to overhaul the coaching structure. Roy Colsey, a Syracuse University alum and former All-American defensive midfielder, assumed the head coaching role in January 2025, bringing a grit-oriented approach focused on defensive schemes and player autonomy to address the Chaos' scoring and consistency issues. His debut season yielded a 5–5 regular season record, securing a playoff berth via a dramatic 12–11 win over the Denver Outlaws in Week 10, but ended with a 14–12 quarterfinal loss to the California Redwoods. Colsey's philosophy contrasts Towers' offensive emphasis by prioritizing unscripted freedom on attack while bolstering defensive structure, drawing from his own playing career's tenacity to foster resilience amid roster transitions. Hired alongside new general manager Spencer Ford to inject fresh leadership after the post-championship slump, Colsey's arrival signals a shift toward balanced, adaptable play to rebuild competitiveness.

Seasons and results

Season-by-season

The Carolina Chaos, one of the founding franchises of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), have competed in every season since the league's inception in 2019. Initially known as Chaos LC, the team transitioned to a territorial model in 2024 with the rebranding to Carolina Chaos and establishment of a home venue in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their performance has varied, marked by a strong debut, a championship in 2021, and subsequent challenges, including missing the playoffs in 2023. As of November 2025, the team has appeared in the postseason in five of seven seasons, reaching the championship game three times.
YearRegular Season RecordPlayoff ResultsHead CoachTop Scorer
20197–3Lost in semifinals to California Redwoods (9–12)Andy TowersConnor Fields (30 points)
20202–5Lost in championship to Philadelphia Waterdogs (7–13)Andy TowersJosh Byrne (22 points)
20214–5Won quarterfinals vs. New York Atlas (13–12), won semifinals vs. Utah Archers (14–10), won championship vs. Maryland Whipsnakes (14–9)Andy TowersJosh Byrne (28 points)
20222–8Won wild card vs. California Redwoods (11–10), won quarterfinals vs. Boston Cannons (14–9), lost in semifinals vs. Utah Archers (9–15), lost in championship to Philadelphia Waterdogs (8–15)Andy TowersJosh Byrne (25 points)
20235–5Did not qualifyAndy TowersTom Schreiber (24 points)
20244–6Won quarterfinals vs. Boston Cannons (8–7), lost in semifinals to Utah Archers (5–10)Andy TowersJosh Byrne (29 points)
20255–5Lost in quarterfinals to California Redwoods (12–14)Roy ColseyJackson Eicher (28 points)
In their inaugural 2019 season, the Chaos posted a strong 7–3 regular season record, finishing second in the league and securing a semifinal berth, though they fell to the Redwoods in a defensive battle. The 2020 campaign was shortened to seven games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 2–5 mark, but the team rallied in the playoffs to reach the final, where they were outpaced by the Waterdogs' offensive firepower. The 2021 season represented the pinnacle, with a 4–5 regular season overcome by a Cinderella playoff run as the sixth seed, culminating in their lone PLL championship. The and 2023 seasons highlighted inconsistencies, with a league-worst 2–8 record in despite another appearance, followed by a middling 5–5 finish in 2023 that left them just outside the top-four playoff cutoff amid stiff competition from expanded conference play. In 2024, the rebranded Carolina Chaos faced challenges in their first territorial season, ending 4–6 but earning a playoff spot as the sixth through a gritty quarterfinal upset before a lopsided semifinal defeat. The 2025 season under new head coach Roy Colsey showed improvement in balance, with a 5–5 record securing another postseason entry, though they exited early in the quarterfinals against the Redwoods. Notable performances included goalie Blaze Riorden's PLL-record 25 saves in a June win and rookie Owen Hiltz's emergence as an offensive threat. Post-2024, the Chaos have exhibited statistical trends toward improved defensive resilience, allowing an average of 12.5 goals per game in 2025 compared to 11.0 in 2024, while offensive output rose modestly from 10.0 to 11.0 goals per game. Home/away splits reveal a venue impact, with the team posting a 3–2 home record in 2024 at American Legion Memorial Stadium—its first dedicated home site—and maintaining a 3–2 mark at home in 2025, where crowd support contributed to higher ground ball win percentages (52% at home vs. 48% away). The shift to territorial play has fostered local fan engagement but initially strained logistics, contributing to early-season road-heavy schedules and a negative goal differential of -15 overall in 2025.

All-time draft selections

The Carolina Chaos have participated in every Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) college draft since the league's inception in 2019, selecting a total of 28 players across seven drafts. These selections have formed the foundation of the team's roster, with a focus on building a balanced attack and defense while adapting to roster needs through trades and free agency.
YearRoundOverall PickPlayer NamePositionCollegeCurrent Status
201916Johnny SurdickDArmyActive with Chaos
201927Jack RowlettDNorth CarolinaActive with Chaos
2019318Greyson TorainANavyTraded (2021)
2019419Austin HenningsenAMarylandReleased (2020)
202015Matt GaudetAYaleTraded (2021)
2020212Jeff TeatACornellTraded to Atlas (2023)
202116Mac O'KeefeAPenn StateTraded to Archers (2023)
2021213Kyle GallagherFONotre DameActive with Chaos
2021215Tanner CookMNorth CarolinaActive with Chaos
2021319Jared BernhardtAMarylandTraded (2022)
2021322Kyle ThorntonDNotre DameReleased (2022)
2021431Ryan SmithARobert MorrisActive with Chaos
202216Brett KennedyDSyracuseActive with Chaos
202218Zach GeddesSSDMGeorgetownActive with Chaos
2022220Jonathan DonvilleMMarylandTraded (2023)
2022436Kevin LindleyALoyolaActive with Chaos
202317Will BowenDGeorgetownActive with Chaos
2023214Brian MinicusAGeorgetownActive with Chaos
2023317Tye KurtzMDelawareActive with Chaos
2023323Nick RowlettFOMichiganActive with Chaos
2023430Levi AndersonASaint Joseph'sReleased (2024)
202414Shane KnoblochMRutgersActive with Chaos
2024212Eric DobsonMNotre DameActive with Chaos
2024320Ross ScottARutgersActive with Chaos
2024428Dylan HessSSDMGeorgetownActive with Chaos
202518Owen HiltzASyracuseActive with Chaos
2025213Levi VerchLSMSaint Joseph'sActive with Chaos
2025216Jack McDonaldLSMMarylandActive with Chaos
Among the Chaos' draft selections, first-round picks such as Jeff Teat (2020), Mac O'Keefe (2021), and Shane Knobloch (2024) have emerged as key contributors, with Teat and O'Keefe combining for over 200 career points in the PLL while anchoring the midfield. The team's draft strategy has evolved notably since 2019, initially emphasizing offensive talent with six attackmen or midfielders selected in the first two drafts to build scoring depth around stars like Lyle Thompson. Post-2021, following a championship win, the focus shifted toward defensive reinforcements, as evidenced by multiple first- and second-round picks like Brett Kennedy (2022) and Will Bowen (2023) to bolster the backline amid roster turnover. Of the 28 total selections, approximately 16 remain active with the Chaos as of late 2025, due to strategic trades that preserved core talent.

All-time records against opponents

The Carolina Chaos have compiled a varied record against their PLL opponents since the league's inception in 2019, reflecting their evolution from an inaugural powerhouse to a consistent playoff contender with one championship in 2021. Postseason play has seen a 7-5 record overall, outperforming regular-season results.
OpponentGames PlayedWinsLossesTiesWin %Current Streak
Utah Archers15771.500L2
New York Atlas8440.500L2
Boston Cannons6510.833W1
Denver Outlaws4310.750W2
California Redwoods154101.292L1
Philadelphia Waterdogs8350.375W1
Maryland Whipsnakes12481.353L1
Win percentage calculated as wins divided by (wins + losses), with ties noted separately; data aggregated from all regular-season and playoff contests. Notable streaks include a 3-game win streak against the Archers from 2021–2023 and a 4-game losing streak to the Redwoods from 2020–2022. The Chaos' fiercest rivalry has been with the Philadelphia Waterdogs, their opponents in two championship games (2020 and 2022 losses), where Carolina holds a 3-5 all-time mark, and with the Maryland Whipsnakes in the 2021 title win. Against the New York Atlas, the Chaos are 4-4, with key playoff victories in 2021 offsetting regular-season splits. Post-2024 home/away splits show balance, with a 3-2 home record and 2-3 away in 2025, including overtime wins at neutral sites like Chicago and Salt Lake City. In playoffs since their 2021 championship, the Chaos have excelled against higher seeds, winning 5 of 8 games while averaging 11.3 goals for and 8.9 against, compared to regular-season averages of 10.8 goals for and 12.0 against across all opponents.

Achievements

Championships

The Carolina Chaos captured their lone Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship to date in 2021, following a regular season that positioned them as contenders in the league's weekend-format playoffs held at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. In the semifinal on September 5, the Chaos overcame the New York Atlas 15-9, with a balanced offensive attack and solid goaltending propelling them to the final. The championship game on September 19 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., pitted the Chaos against the two-time defending champion Maryland Whipsnakes. The Chaos built an 8-6 halftime lead, then outscored the Whipsnakes 3-1 in the third quarter to extend their advantage to 11-7. In the fourth, goals from Chase Fraser and Chris Cloutier sealed the 14-9 victory, denying the Whipsnakes a three-peat. Dhane Smith led the offense with 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists), while Fraser added 4 goals; Josh Byrne and Cloutier each recorded 2 goals and 2 assists. Goaltender Blaze Riorden anchored the defense with 15 saves on 24 shots, earning praise for his performance in the title-clinching effort; he had already been named the league's Jim Brown Most Valuable Player for the season. The Chaos celebrated their triumph on the field at Audi Field, with players and staff hoisting the PLL championship trophy amid jubilant scenes that highlighted the franchise's breakthrough moment. The Chaos also reached the PLL Championship finals in 2020 (losing to the Whipsnakes) and 2022 (losing to the Waterdogs), finishing with a 1-2 record in title games as of 2025. This championship represented the first title in franchise history, solidifying the team's legitimacy after years of development and significantly boosting the PLL's visibility as a competitive professional league.

Individual awards

Players from the Carolina Chaos have garnered numerous individual accolades in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), underscoring the team's emphasis on defensive excellence and goaltending dominance. These honors, determined through player voting in two rounds—first to select nominees and second to choose winners—recognize outstanding positional performance, leadership, and overall impact during the regular season. As of 2025, Chaos affiliates have secured at least seven major PLL awards, with a clear trend toward defensive and goaltending positions, reflecting the franchise's strategy of building around a stout backline that has propelled them to multiple championship appearances. Key recipients include defenseman Jarrod Neumann, who earned the inaugural 2019 Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year award for his elite playmaking from the back end, including five two-point goals and consistent disruption of opposing offenses in 10 regular-season games. Goalie Blaze Riorden stands as the most decorated Chaos honoree, capturing the Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year award five times (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) for leading the league in save percentage multiple times—such as 55.8% and 153 saves in 2019—and revolutionizing the position with his butterfly technique and shot-baiting prowess. Riorden also claimed the Jim Brown Most Valuable Player award in 2021, the first for a goalie in nearly two decades, after posting a 61% save rate and 149 saves while anchoring the Chaos' championship run. In 2021, Riorden and short-stick midfielder Jack Rowlett were named to the All-Pro First Team, highlighting the unit's collective defensive impact. These awards emphasize criteria focused on statistical dominance, such as save percentages for goalies or caused turnovers for defenders, alongside intangible contributions like leadership in high-stakes games. For the Chaos, they illustrate a defensive identity that has stifled elite offenses, enabling offensive transitions and contributing to the 2021 PLL title; Riorden's honors alone account for over 70% of the team's major awards, signaling a goaltending-centric trend since the league's inception.
YearAward NameRecipientAchievement Details
2019Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the YearJarrod Neumann (Defense)Breakout season with five two-point goals, elite ground ball wins, and top-tier matchup defense in 10 games.
2019Oren Lyons Goalie of the YearBlaze Riorden (Goalie)Led PLL with 55.8% save percentage and 153 saves, setting a benchmark for modern goaltending.
2020Oren Lyons Goalie of the YearBlaze Riorden (Goalie)Excelled in shortened Championship Series format with high save rates, earning repeat honor amid pandemic-adjusted season.
2021Jim Brown Most Valuable PlayerBlaze Riorden (Goalie)First goalie MVP since 2002; 61% save rate, 149 saves, and pivotal playoff performances en route to PLL title.
2021Oren Lyons Goalie of the YearBlaze Riorden (Goalie)Third consecutive win with league-leading efficiency, including 63% in playoffs.
2023Oren Lyons Goalie of the YearBlaze Riorden (Goalie)Reclaimed award with dominant regular-season stats, bolstering Chaos playoff push.
2024Oren Lyons Goalie of the YearBlaze Riorden (Goalie)Fourth overall (fifth total) honor, leading in saves and percentage during title-contending campaign.

References

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