One of sports’ biggest city rivalries takes center stage in professional lacrosse this Labor Day, as the Philadelphia Waterdogs face the Boston Cannons in the Premier Lacrosse League Semifinals on Monday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. ET at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah, streaming on the ESPN App.
The Waterdogs enter the semifinal led by Dresher, Pa. native Michael Sowers, who recorded a career-high 51 points this season and became just the second player in PLL history to surpass 50 points in a single season.
Sowers, the 2022 PLL Championship MVP, will look to lead his hometown Waterdogs back to the PLL U.S. Bank Championship for the first time since 2023.
Philadelphia also features one of the league’s top scorers in CJ Kirst, who set a new PLL single-season record with a league-leading 34 goals during the regular season.
The matchup adds another chapter to the Philadelphia-Boston sports rivalry. The Cannons hold a 7-5 advantage in the all-time series against the Waterdogs, with a trip to the PLL U.S. Bank Championship now on the line.
Five members of the Philadelphia Waterdogs were named finalists for the Lexus End of Year Awards, recognizing their performances through the 2026 regular season.
- Bill Tierney – Dick Edell Coach of the Year
- CJ Kirst – Eamon McEneaney Attackman of the Year; Jim Brown Most Valuable Player
- Gavin Adler – Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year
- Michael Sowers – Eamon McEneaney Attackman of the Year; Jim Brown Most Valuable Player
- Zach Currier – Gait Brothers Midfielder of the Year