​The Utah Archers rebounded from back-to-back losses with a dominant all-around performance Friday night in Chicago, as they defeated the New York Atlas 16-5. The Archers’ offense won its matchups at a high rate, with only five of their 16 goals being assisted. Connor Fields led the way with four goals and an assist, while Sam King added two goals and two assists, Ryan Stines poured in three goals, and Leo Johnson struck for two goals, each making impact in their individual matchups.
“Fieldsy got hot early, which always helps, and that settles everyone in,” team captain Tom Schreiber said during the ESPN2 broadcast. Utah’s 16 points marked the most they had scored in a game in more than two years, since July 6, 2024.
A critical factor was Utah’s success in transition, the most they had produced this season. Brett Dobson connected with Mac O’Keefe on an impressive outlet pass, and O’Keefe converted off his own rebound for a goal. Connor Maher also tallied on a left-to-right split after clearing the ball. Aidan Maguire added his first career goal and delivered the best game of his young career to date.
“Tonight, he showed why he was the No. 1 pick,” Piper Bond remarked. “He was dominant all over the field defensively, and the finish was great. That was fantastic to see, and it should do wonders for his confidence.” Aidan Maguire, the No. 1 overall pick and a Duke midfielder, scored his first Premier Lacrosse League goal on Friday night (via ESPN2).
Defensively, Utah delivered a complete performance. Dobson saved 64.3 percent of the shots he faced, despite only 14 forcing attempts on goal, as the Archers’ defense locked down the Atlas. Their offense struggled to crack Utah’s close defense and against Utah’s stable of short-stick defensive midfielders for most of the night.
“Our short-stick players were really good. Our close defenders were excellent,” head coach Chris Bates said after the game. “They gave Dobber a relatively easy night.”
Faceoff specialist Mike Sisselberger won 79.2 percent of his draws, further limiting the Archers’ possession. His high percentage was aided by Atlas faceoff man Zac Tucci sustaining an injury after taking 16 draws. Even before Tucci’s departure, Sisselberger remained dominant, winning 19 of 24 faceoffs and gathering 17 ground balls, the fourth-most in his career. Sisselberger now sports a 58.8 percent win rate on the season, a notable improvement from his 35.6 percent mark in 2025 and approaching his 63.3 percent average from his first two seasons in 2023 and 2024.
“If you’re going to get the ball about 80 percent of the time, you’re typically going to do good things,” Bates said. “He had a tough year last year, and he’s determined to leave his mark, which he’s doing, and we’re thrilled for him.”
The victory nudged Utah’s playoff probability up to 71 percent. Much of this rise comes from the convincing 11-goal margin against the Atlas, a win that also signals Utah’s improved form as the postseason nears.