When the Major League Lacrosse all-stars take on the U.S. national team today in Boston, the leading goal-scorer for the MLL will not be on the field.
The all-stars were chosen June 13, shortly before Denver Outlaws rookie attack Matt Brown showed an unmatched propensity for scoring.
Brown, who graduated with a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Denver in 2005, has racked up an MLL-leading 27 goals in six games. Down on the depth chart, he was not selected to play in the season opener. A year earlier, the left-hander was not drafted by an MLL team.
DU coach Jamie Munro credits his protégé’s rise to prominence as the product of a perfect storm: Brown’s quick, accurate release and the talent of his teammates.
In the MLL world of three long-pole defenders (the college game features four long-pole defenders), Brown is often guarded by a short-pole defender while the long-polers concentrate on all-star midfield teammates Jeff Sonke, Josh Sims and Mike Law. Or Brian Langtry, arguably an all-star.
Taking advantage, Brown attempted only nine shots while scoring a team-record seven goals in a 22-11 pounding of the Los Angeles Riptide last Saturday.
“The team played great,” he said softly. “I just finished the ball.”
As for the theory that he belongs in today’s all-star game, he said he’s more concerned about winning championships than appearing in all-star games.
As a 7-year-old growing up in Burnaby, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver, Brown started playing box lacrosse, the indoor game. He matured early, and as a skilled 15-year-old with a 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame, he was allowed to “play up” with the Burnaby Lakers, a Canadian junior dynasty.
In six seasons with the Lakers, Brown helped capture three national titles. In a letter-writing effort to earn a college scholarship, Munro was the first to respond. After seeing how the coach treated his parents, Brown was sold on DU.
For his part, Munro had no qualms about Brown adapting to the larger goal and expanses of the field game.
“The best kids in the indoor game make a good transition to the outdoor game,” Munro said. “If you can score indoors, you can score outdoors.”
Footnotes
The MLL all-stars also include Denver faceoff specialist Chris Cercy. … The U.S. team, which is preparing for the World Championships in London, Ontario, beginning July 13, have two local connections: goaltender Trevor Tierney of the Outlaws and midfielder Jay Jalbert of the Mammoth. … ESPN2 broadcasts a replay of the Outlaws-Riptide game today and the MLL All Stars vs. Team USA game Sunday.
