On Saturday Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced that Zach Goodrich of the Boston Cannons was the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year. The midfielder was drafted third overall in the 2019 MLL Draft by the Cannons and finished his second season in MLL.
The Towson University product scooped up ten ground balls, caused six turnovers, and recorded one assist in six games in 2020. Goodrich was voted the DYOP by the coaches in MLL who voted for a player whose defensive contributions were “exceptional” during the season.
“To win this award in a category with competitors like Michael and Ben, is a true honor,” Goodrich said. “I am proud of my team. We battled in all six games, we persisted through adversity and we came out delivering another trophy to the city of champions. I look forward to doing it again next year.”
Goodrich is the second Cannons player to win the DYOP award with the first being Ryan Curtis in 2003. In addition to his on the field leadership, Goodrich also served as an Assistant Captain on the Cannons and has become a leader off the field as well.
“Zach is a crucial part of our team,” said Head Coach Sean Quirk. “He’s a fierce competitor, a great teammate and a locker room guy. He’s incredibly humble while being the player to take control of the game and set the pace of play. As a second year he was named an Assistant Captain because his teammates recognize the championship-level leadership he brings to this organization.”
