By Colin McDonough, Special to the Register

Before Nick Tsouris sat in the Lanman Center, hoping to hear his name called for the Major League Lacrosse draft, the Yale standout had one more game to play close to his home turf.

Tsouris played along 24 other college all-stars Sunday at the Yale Bowl in the Warrior MLL Challenge. The NCAA team defeated Team USA in the scrimmage 12-11 that was cut short with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter because of lightning in the area that sent fans and players scurrying.

Brendan Mundorf scored a game-high five goals for Team USA, and Ryan Boyle also added a pair of goals for the national team. Jim Connolly from UMass scored three second-quarter goals for the College All-Stars.

The game was delayed with 2 minutes, 34 seconds left in the first quarter for a few minutes due to lightning.

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Yale was host to the scrimmage, along with the MLL draft, in a weekend that the league hoped would bring exposure to lacrosse in the area.

“It’s just kind of surreal. When everyone’s warming up, I knew it was my home training room and home field,” Tsouris said. “It was awesome to play it here as I move on to the next phase in my career.”

The next phase began Sunday night at the Lanman Center on Yale’s campus, where the MLL held its draft. Although the short stick defensive midfielder didn’t record many stats on Sunday, he was confident going into draft night that teams in the MLL knew his game already.

And the Boston Cannons proved that, selecting Tsouris in the fourth round with the 21st overall pick.

“There are 48 picks in the draft and 25 guys played today. Hopefully, all 25 will hear their names called,” Tsouris said. “I’m hoping that most of the MLL coaches followed the players throughout the season and they know what type of player you are, not just basing it on one game in the rain.” Continued...

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Tsouris had an impressive senior season for the Bulldogs, receiving All-New England honors and was also picked to the All-Ivy League second team.

Besides the two MLL events, the Connectucut-N.Y. Lacrosse Association held its year-end tournaments at Yale. Many youth players and coaches watched the game to create the type of atmosphere the MLL was hoping to see.

“The MLL did a great job of putting together the event and bringing in a ton of good players,” said Nathaniel Badder, director of the U.S. lacrosse national teams. “New Haven itself was ready to go. The stadium looked terrific, but the weather is something you can’t control.”

Although there was bad weather and a sparse crowd, Tsouris believes that Yale is a good host.

“We have the facilities to support it,” Tsouris said. “I don’t think the weather affected how Yale held the event, but some guys got tired when we had to play, then wait, then play again. But I wouldn’t mind coming back here someday to play.”

As to whether or not the event will return to New Haven, it will remain up in the air.

“It’s something we don’t really have control over,” Badder said. “The MLL ran this event. I know they do like to move this around, but I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t come back.”

Brendan Mundorf scored a game-high five goals for Team USA, and Ryan Boyle also added a pair of goals for the national team. Jim Connolly from UMass scored three second-quarter goals for the College All-Stars.

The game was delayed with 2 minutes, 34 seconds left in the first quarter for a few minutes due to lightning in the area.

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