Carolina’s Comeback and Ross Scott’s Redemption: A Turning Point in the Chaos Season

Premier Lacrosse League Images

The Carolina Chaos, who had struggled to find consistent offensive production through the early weeks of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) season, secured a crucial 12–10 comeback victory over the California Redwoods Saturday night at Martin Stadium. The win, which marked the Chaos’s second in a row, featured a standout performance from second-year attackman Ross Scott, who ended a month-long goal-scoring drought with a hat trick in the second half. Scott, who had not scored in several games and did not attempt a shot in the team’s previous win against Boston, credited his teammates and role flexibility for his resurgence. “Sometimes, my job is dodging and moving it forward. Sometimes, the guys are getting me in good spots and I [have] to shoot and score,” Scott said. “When I’m put in that spot, I want to make sure I can [finish] for the boys”. California had contained Scott through the first two quarters, but he erupted after halftime, scoring three goals—including the game’s final two—to lift the Chaos past a 7–3 deficit. His first goal, a behind-the-back finish in the third quarter, energized his team, and his late fourth-quarter tally provided the critical insurance goal. Chaos head coach Roy Colsey praised Scott’s game-changing play.

“He could not have been any better. We don’t win this game without his heroics,” Colsey said. “His best lacrosse is in front of him”.

Meanwhile, long-stick midfielder Troy Reh emphasized Scott’s impact beyond statistics, calling him a “matchup nightmare” and a player who “triggers” the offense even when he isn’t scoring. Beyond Scott’s offensive spark, Carolina benefited from yet another elite showing in goal by Blaze Riorden. The five-time PLL Goalie of the Year posted 18 saves, stopping 69.2% of the shots he faced. Riorden’s consistency helped the Chaos weather a first-half barrage that included two 2-point goals from the Redwoods. California’s head coach, Anthony Kelly, lamented his team’s missed opportunities and praised Riorden’s performance. “We had a plan and for the most part we executed it, but we also did some dumb stuff and played into their game plan,” Kelly said. “When you have an even-matched game and you have a guy that’s stealing an extra half dozen on the day, you have to value every possession”. The victory brings Carolina’s record to 3–3, while California slides to 2–4 after its fourth consecutive loss. Looking ahead, the Chaos will aim to extend their winning streak against the Utah Archers, while the Redwoods prepare to face a red-hot New York Atlas squad. As Colsey noted, the balance of veteran leadership and emerging young talent could be the difference for Carolina moving forward. “We’ve got a group of veterans that know what it takes to win,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of young guys in the locker room that are figuring it out alongside them”.