The Waterdogs are back on home turf — or as close as it gets in the PLL — with Chester's Subaru Park playing host to a Labor Day playoff semifinal. Philly enters the clash as the long shot in the bracket, carrying a 4-6 regular-season mark into the postseason.
Still, this team has shown it won’t go quietly. They dispatched the equally scrappy Maryland Whipsnakes in the quarterfinals, and now they've set their sights on the high-powered Atlas.
It hasn't been an easy road. New York already holds two wins over Philly this season, including a wild 20-19 finale that set the record for most combined goals in a PLL game. That thriller was a reminder that the Waterdogs can go blow-for-blow with anyone offensively, but finding a way to tighten things up defensively could be the key to flipping the script in the semifinal.
The Waterdogs may wear the underdog tag heading in, but with everything on the line, they’ll look to harness the home atmosphere and turn that chip on their shoulder into fuel.
Here, GOAL has everything you need to know about how to watch the Premier League Lacrosse game between the Philadelphia Water Dogs and the New York Atlas, as well as start time and team news.
Philadelphia Water Dogs vs New York Atlas: Date and Start Time
The Water Dogs will square off against the Atlas in an intriguing Premier League Lacrosse game on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET or 9:00 am PT, at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
| Date | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| Time | 12:00 pm ET or 9:00 am PT |
| Venue | Subaru Park |
| Location | Chester, Pennsylvania |
How to watch Philadelphia Water Dogs vs New York Atlas Online - TV Channels and Live Streams
- TV Channel: --
- Livestream:ESPN+
Fans in the USA can catch all the action of this thrilling Premier League Lacrosse matchup between the Philadelphia Water Dogs and the New York Atlas live on ESPN+.
Philadelphia Water Dogs vs New York Atlas Key Players
Philadelphia Water Dogs Team News
The Waterdogs arrive with nothing to lose after sneaking into the playoffs and knocking off the Whipsnakes. CJ Kirst announced himself with four goals in the quarters, while Michael Sowers continues to be the team’s engine, creating chances with both his passing and clever off-ball picks.
Philly has already exploited Atlas mismatches in the midfield once this season, and with their attack in top form, they’ll look to do it again—especially if New York hesitates to adjust.
New York Atlas Team News
The Atlas edged Philadelphia 20-19 in a historic shootout last time out, but they know a few tweaks are needed to book a first-ever spot in the title game. Coach Mike Pressler will want cleaner midfield rotations to avoid mismatches, especially when Reid Bowering gets caught on defense. Expect Bryan Costabile and Jake Stevens to handle more two-way duties.
Defensively, New York must show CJ Kirst the double team early—forcing him to pass rather than shoot—while staying sharp against Michael Sowers’ crafty “up” picks, which burned them for easy goals in their last clash.