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Carolina Chaos
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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) | Goalie | Left | 6 ft 0 in | 230 lbs | Albany | 2016 | Fairport | Fairport, New York | [1] | |
| 3 | Chris Aslanian |
Midfield | R/L | 6 ft 3 in | 205 lbs | Hobart | 2019 | Hun | Westfield, New Jersey | [2] | |
| 8 | Adam Charlambides | Attack | Left | 6 ft 2 in | 195 lbs | Rutgers | 2021 | The Hill Academy | Georgetown, Ontario | [3] | |
| 9 | Ray Dearth | Defensive Midfield | Right | 6 ft 2 in | 205 lbs | Harvard | 2025 | Ridgefield | Ridgefield, Connecticut | [4] | |
| 10 | Troy Reh | Long Stick Midfield | Right | 5 ft 11 in | 185 lbs | Albany | 2018 | Rocky Point | Rocky Point, New York | [5] | |
| 14 | Austin Kaut | Goalie | Left | 6 ft 1 in | 225 lbs | Penn State | 2014 | Springfield-Delco | Morton, Pennsylvania | [6] | |
| 15 | Ross Scott | Attack | Right | 5 ft 9 in | 175 lbs | Rutgers | 2024 | West Linn | West Linn, Oregon | [7] | |
| 16 | Mark Glicini (C) | Defensive Midfield | Right | 6 ft 1 in | 200 lbs | Yale | 2016 | Deerfield | Mahwah, New Jersey | [8] | |
| 18 | Scott Smith | Defense | Right | 6 ft 1 in | 210 lbs | Johns Hopkins | 2024 | Conestoga | Berwyn, Pennsylvania | [9] | |
| 19 | Jackson Eicher | Attack | Right | 6 ft 4 in | 220 lbs | Army | 2025 | Episcopal | Warrenton, Virginia | [10] | |
| 22 | Cross Ferrara | Midfield | R/L | 6 ft 2 in | 190 lbs | Salisbury | 2023 | Appoquinimink | Greenville, Delaware | [11] | |
| 27 | Shane Knobloch |
Midfield | R/L | 5 ft 9 in | 200 lbs | Rutgers | 2024 | Moorestown | Moorestown, New Jersey | [12] | |
| 30 | Sergio Perkovic |
Midfield | R/L | 6 ft 4 in | 225 lbs | Notre Dame | 2017 | Brother Rice | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan | [13] | |
| 38 | Greg Langermeier | Defensive Midfield | Right | 6 ft 0 in | 195 lbs | Ohio State | 2025 | St. Ignatius | Westlake, Ohio | [14] | |
| 40 | Garrett Degnon | Midfield | R/L | 6 ft 4 in | 215 lbs | Johns Hopkins | 2024 | DeMatha | Harwood, Maryland | [15] | |
| 43 | Jack Posey | Defense | Right | 6 ft 1 in | 210 lbs | Penn State | 2024 | Freedom | South Riding, Virginia | [16] | |
| 45 | Justin Inacio | Faceoff | Right | 5 ft 10 in | 188 lbs | Ohio State | 2022 | The Hill Academy | Oakville, Ontario | [17] | |
| 51 | JJ Sillstrop | Attack | Left | 5 ft 10 in | 190 lbs | Denver | 2024 | La Costa Canyon | Encinitas, California | [18] | |
| 60 | Levi Verch | Defense | Left | 6 ft 2 in | 219 lbs | Saint Joseph's | 2025 | Claremont Secondary | Victoria, British Columbia | [19] | |
| 66 | Eric Dobson | Midfield | R/L | 6 ft 5 in | 235 lbs | Notre Dame | 2024 | Fleming Island | Fleming Island, Florida | [20] | |
| 73 | Nick Rowlett | Faceoff | Right | 6 ft 0 in | 180 lbs | Michigan | 2023 | Robinson | Burke, Virginia | [21] | |
| 77 | Owen Hiltz | Attack | Left | 5 ft 8 in | 186 lbs | Syracuse | 2025 | Culver Academy | Peterborough, Ontario | [22] | |
| 79 | Josh Zawada | Attack | R/L | 6 ft 1 in | 180 lbs | Duke | 2024 | The Hill Academy | Raleigh, North Carolina | [23] | |
| 88 | Jarrod Neumann (C) | Defense | Right | 6 ft 4 in | 230 lbs | Providence | 2017 | Bridgton Academy | Northampton, Massachusetts | [24] | |
| 99 | Jack Rowlett | 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]- Head coach – Roy Colsey
- Assistant coach – Kyle Sweeney
- Assistant coach – Matt Mackrides
All-time draft selections
[edit]| 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 |
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.
| Rnd. | Pick # | Player | Pos. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | Dillon Ward | Goalie | Bellarmine |
| 2 | 14 | Jason Noble | Midfield | Cornell |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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]| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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
- Blaze Riorden: 2021
Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year
- Jarrod Neumann: 2019
Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year
Dick Edell Coach of the Year
- Andy Towers: 2019
Brendan Looney Leadership Award
- Blaze Riorden: 2025
Jimmy Regan Teammate of the Year
- Mark Glicini: 2019
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]- ^ "Blaze Riorden". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Chris Aslanian". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Adam Charalambides". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Ray Dearth". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Troy Reh". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Austin Kaut". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Ross Scott". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Mark Glicini". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Scott Smith". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Jackson Eicher". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Cross Ferrara". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Shane Knobloch". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Sergio Perkovic". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Greg Langermeier". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Garrett Degnon". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Jack Posey". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Justin Inacio". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "JJ Sillstrop". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Levi Verch". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Eric Dobson". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Nick Rowlett". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Owen Hiltz". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Josh Zawada". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Jarrod Neumann". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Jack Rowlett". Premier Lacrosse League. May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Chaos Roster". Premier Lacrosse League. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
External links
[edit]Carolina Chaos
View on GrokipediaHistory
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.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[5] 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.[6] 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.[6] 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.[8][9] 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.[10][11] 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.[8]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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14] 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.[14] 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.[15] This move built on the team's 2021 championship success, providing a foundation for long-term stability in the evolving league structure.[2] 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.[15] 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.[15] 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.[15] 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.[16]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.[17][18] 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.[19][20] 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.[21][22] 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.[23][24] 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.[25] 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.[26]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.[24] The stadium, renovated in 2021, features a capacity of 10,500 spectators, including 9,500 fixed seats, making it suitable for professional lacrosse events.[27] Equipped with pro sports-quality artificial turf, the venue supports the fast-paced demands of field lacrosse while accommodating other sports.[28] It includes LED lighting for night games, enabling evening matchups that align with the Premier Lacrosse League's broadcast schedule.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31] Since 2024, home games at the stadium have drawn increasing attendance as part of the league's overall growth in fan engagement.[32] 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.[33]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.[34][35] 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.[36][37][38][39] 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.[34] As of November 2025, no major injuries or trades have altered the lineup since the April departure of former attackman Josh Byrne.[40] 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.[34]| No. | Name | Nationality | Position | Height | Weight | College | Notable Stats (Prior Seasons/College) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Adam Charalambides | Canada | Attack | 6'2" | 195 | Rutgers | 15 goals, 12 assists in 2024 PLL season[41] |
| 19 | Jackson Eicher | USA | Attack | 6'4" | 220 | Army | 54 goals, 31 assists in senior year (2025)[38] |
| 77 | Owen Hiltz | Canada | Attack | 5'8" | 187 | Syracuse | 46 goals, 27 assists in senior year (2025)[42] |
| 79 | Josh Zawada | USA | Attack | 6'1" | 200 | Duke | 12 goals in 2024 PLL season[41] |
| 3 | Chris Aslanian | USA | Midfield | 6'3" | 210 | Hobart | 10 assists in 2024[41] |
| 40 | Garrett Degnon | USA | Midfield | 6'4" | 215 | Johns Hopkins | 2021 PLL Champion; 8 goals in 2024[34] |
| 66 | Eric Dobson | USA | Midfield | 6'5" | 220 | Notre Dame | 14 goals, 17 assists in senior year (2024); 2024 PLL draftee |
| 22 | Cross Ferrara | USA | Midfield | 6'2" | 190 | Salisbury | 2021 PLL Champion; defensive specialist |
| 27 | Shane Knobloch | USA | Midfield | 5'9" | 180 | Rutgers | 9 goals, 7 assists in 2024[41] |
| 30 | Sergio Perkovic | USA | Midfield | 6'4" | 205 | Notre Dame | 11 ground balls per game avg. in 2024 |
| 15 | Ross Scott | USA | Midfield | 5'9" | 175 | Rutgers | Speedy transition player; 5 goals in 2024 |
| 51 | JJ Sillstrop | USA | Midfield | 5'10" | 185 | Denver | 7 assists in 2024[41] |
| 4 | Cole Williams | USA | Midfield | 6'5" | 225 | Johns Hopkins | 2021 PLL Champion; physical presence |
| 9 | Ray Dearth | USA | Def. Midfield | 6'2" | 205 | Harvard | 2025 draftee; strong on-ball defender |
| 16 | Mark Glicini (C) | USA | Def. Midfield | 6'1" | 190 | Yale | 2021 PLL Champion; 20 caused turnovers in 2024[41] |
| 38 | Greg Langermeier | USA | Def. Midfield | 6'0" | 195 | Ohio State | 2025 draftee; versatile SSDM |
| 10 | Troy Reh | USA | Long Stick Mid | 5'11" | 200 | Albany | 2021 PLL Champion; 15 caused turnovers in 2024 |
| 60 | Levi Verch | USA | Long Stick Mid | 6'2" | 206 | Saint Joseph's | 2025 draftee; elite stick work |
| 88 | Jarrod Neumann (C) | USA | Defense | 6'4" | 210 | Providence | 2021 PLL Champion; team captain, 25 caused turnovers career avg. |
| 43 | Jack Posey | USA | Defense | 6'1" | 195 | Penn State | Agile close defender; 10 blocks in 2024 |
| 99 | Jack Rowlett | USA | Defense | 6'1" | 190 | North Carolina | 12 caused turnovers in 2024[41] |
| 18 | Scott Smith | USA | Defense | 6'1" | 200 | Johns Hopkins | 2025 draftee; shutdown specialist |
| 45 | Justin Inacio | USA | Faceoff | 5'10" | 185 | Ohio State | 55% faceoff win rate in 2024 |
| 73 | Nick Rowlett | USA | Faceoff | 6'0" | 195 | Michigan | Backup FO; strong ground ball recovery |
| 14 | Austin Kaut | USA | Goalie | 6'1" | 180 | Penn State | .550 save % in backup role 2024 |
| 0 | Blaze Riorden (C) | USA | Goalie | 6'0" | 185 | Albany | 2021 PLL Champion; league-leading .610 save % in 2024[43] |
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.[45][46] 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.[47] 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.[48][49] 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.[46] 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.[46][50] 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.[46][51] The full 2025 coaching staff is detailed below, highlighting roles and key prior experiences in professional, collegiate, or high school lacrosse:| Role | Name | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Roy Colsey | Professional 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).[48] |
| Assistant Coach | Kyle Sweeney | National 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).[46][52] |
| Assistant Coach | Matt Mackrides | Head boys' lacrosse coach at Malvern Preparatory School; All-American at Penn State University; six-season MLL veteran with Chesapeake Bayhawks and Atlanta Blaze.[46][53] |
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.[48][55]| Coach | Tenure | Regular Season Record | Playoff Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Towers | 2019–2024 | 24–32 | 3–4 |
| Roy Colsey | 2025–present | 5–5 | 0–1 |
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.[2][61]| Year | Regular Season Record | Playoff Results | Head Coach | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7–3 | Lost in semifinals to California Redwoods (9–12) | Andy Towers | Connor Fields (30 points)[62][63][64] |
| 2020 | 2–5 | Lost in championship to Philadelphia Waterdogs (7–13) | Andy Towers | Josh Byrne (22 points)[62][65][66] |
| 2021 | 4–5 | Won quarterfinals vs. New York Atlas (13–12), won semifinals vs. Utah Archers (14–10), won championship vs. Maryland Whipsnakes (14–9) | Andy Towers | Josh Byrne (28 points)[62][67][68] |
| 2022 | 2–8 | Won 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 Towers | Josh Byrne (25 points)[62][2][69] |
| 2023 | 5–5 | Did not qualify | Andy Towers | Tom Schreiber (24 points)[62][70][71] |
| 2024 | 4–6 | Won quarterfinals vs. Boston Cannons (8–7), lost in semifinals to Utah Archers (5–10) | Andy Towers | Josh Byrne (29 points)[62][72][73] |
| 2025 | 5–5 | Lost in quarterfinals to California Redwoods (12–14) | Roy Colsey | Jackson Eicher (28 points)[74][75][41] |
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.[76]| Year | Round | Overall Pick | Player Name | Position | College | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 6 | Johnny Surdick | D | Army | Active with Chaos |
| 2019 | 2 | 7 | Jack Rowlett | D | North Carolina | Active with Chaos |
| 2019 | 3 | 18 | Greyson Torain | A | Navy | Traded (2021) |
| 2019 | 4 | 19 | Austin Henningsen | A | Maryland | Released (2020) |
| 2020 | 1 | 5 | Matt Gaudet | A | Yale | Traded (2021) |
| 2020 | 2 | 12 | Jeff Teat | A | Cornell | Traded to Atlas (2023) |
| 2021 | 1 | 6 | Mac O'Keefe | A | Penn State | Traded to Archers (2023) |
| 2021 | 2 | 13 | Kyle Gallagher | FO | Notre Dame | Active with Chaos |
| 2021 | 2 | 15 | Tanner Cook | M | North Carolina | Active with Chaos |
| 2021 | 3 | 19 | Jared Bernhardt | A | Maryland | Traded (2022) |
| 2021 | 3 | 22 | Kyle Thornton | D | Notre Dame | Released (2022) |
| 2021 | 4 | 31 | Ryan Smith | A | Robert Morris | Active with Chaos |
| 2022 | 1 | 6 | Brett Kennedy | D | Syracuse | Active with Chaos |
| 2022 | 1 | 8 | Zach Geddes | SSDM | Georgetown | Active with Chaos |
| 2022 | 2 | 20 | Jonathan Donville | M | Maryland | Traded (2023) |
| 2022 | 4 | 36 | Kevin Lindley | A | Loyola | Active with Chaos |
| 2023 | 1 | 7 | Will Bowen | D | Georgetown | Active with Chaos |
| 2023 | 2 | 14 | Brian Minicus | A | Georgetown | Active with Chaos |
| 2023 | 3 | 17 | Tye Kurtz | M | Delaware | Active with Chaos |
| 2023 | 3 | 23 | Nick Rowlett | FO | Michigan | Active with Chaos |
| 2023 | 4 | 30 | Levi Anderson | A | Saint Joseph's | Released (2024) |
| 2024 | 1 | 4 | Shane Knobloch | M | Rutgers | Active with Chaos |
| 2024 | 2 | 12 | Eric Dobson | M | Notre Dame | Active with Chaos |
| 2024 | 3 | 20 | Ross Scott | A | Rutgers | Active with Chaos |
| 2024 | 4 | 28 | Dylan Hess | SSDM | Georgetown | Active with Chaos |
| 2025 | 1 | 8 | Owen Hiltz | A | Syracuse | Active with Chaos |
| 2025 | 2 | 13 | Levi Verch | LSM | Saint Joseph's | Active with Chaos |
| 2025 | 2 | 16 | Jack McDonald | LSM | Maryland | Active with Chaos |
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.[83][84][85][86][70][87][88]| Opponent | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % | Current Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Archers | 15 | 7 | 7 | 1 | .500 | L2 |
| New York Atlas | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | L2 |
| Boston Cannons | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | .833 | W1 |
| Denver Outlaws | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | .750 | W2 |
| California Redwoods | 15 | 4 | 10 | 1 | .292 | L1 |
| Philadelphia Waterdogs | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | .375 | W1 |
| Maryland Whipsnakes | 12 | 4 | 8 | 1 | .353 | L1 |
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.[89] 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.[4][90] 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.[91] 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.[92][2]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.[93] 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.[94][95] 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.[96] 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.[94][95] 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.[95] In 2021, Riorden and short-stick midfielder Jack Rowlett were named to the All-Pro First Team, highlighting the unit's collective defensive impact.[94][97] 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.[98][99]| Year | Award Name | Recipient | Achievement Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year | Jarrod Neumann (Defense) | Breakout season with five two-point goals, elite ground ball wins, and top-tier matchup defense in 10 games.[96] |
| 2019 | Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year | Blaze Riorden (Goalie) | Led PLL with 55.8% save percentage and 153 saves, setting a benchmark for modern goaltending.[94] |
| 2020 | Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year | Blaze Riorden (Goalie) | Excelled in shortened Championship Series format with high save rates, earning repeat honor amid pandemic-adjusted season.[100] |
| 2021 | Jim Brown Most Valuable Player | Blaze Riorden (Goalie) | First goalie MVP since 2002; 61% save rate, 149 saves, and pivotal playoff performances en route to PLL title.[95] |
| 2021 | Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year | Blaze Riorden (Goalie) | Third consecutive win with league-leading efficiency, including 63% in playoffs.[93] |
| 2023 | Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year | Blaze Riorden (Goalie) | Reclaimed award with dominant regular-season stats, bolstering Chaos playoff push.[101] |
| 2024 | Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year | Blaze Riorden (Goalie) | Fourth overall (fifth total) honor, leading in saves and percentage during title-contending campaign.[98] |
