Byrne Breaks MLL Rookie Record
Kelly McCarthy
What a season for Josh Byrne.
That sentence has been written many times for the Canadian and each time it’s because he’s outdone himself.
His latest feat was setting a Major League Lacrosse (MLL) rookie record during his 2017 debut with the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Byrne struck for 39 goals, the most-ever by a rookie since Kiernan McArdle’s 37 for the Florida Launch in 2014. McArdle did it in 12 games, Byrne needed just nine.
Byrne’s historic feat came in the final game of the season on August 3 against the Denver Outlaws. Byrne potted seven goals on the night to help power the Bayhawks to the 23-19 comeback victory. Byrne currently remains atop the MLL leaderboard with 39 goals and tied for tenth with 46 points but Chesapeake will miss the postseason.
Byrne was taken 19th overall by Chesapeake in the MLL Draft after a stellar senior season with Hofstra. Byrne, the 2017 CAA Player of the Year, picked up USILA All-America Third Team and Inside Lacrosse Media All-America honorable mention accolades after tallying 41 goals, 24 assists and 66 points in 14 games. His 66 points are sixth-most in CAA single season history while his 4.71 points per game tied him for second, behind only former UMass great and current MLL opponent, Will Manny (4.75/g).
With the 2017 complete for Byrne, it’ll be interesting to see how he tops his rookie debut.