Army lacrosse is quietly making waves in the lacrosse world in 2025. After a dominant 14-3 victory over Yale, followed by a 9-3 win against Rutgers, the Black Knights are 4-0 to start the season and currently rank No. 5 in the country. With an elite defense and a balanced offense, this team is turning heads. But the big question remains: how good are they, and can they really win it all this season?
A Dominant Defense
The standout feature of Army lacrosse in 2025 has been their defense. Their ability to shut down even the most potent offenses in the country is nothing short of impressive. In their victory against Yale, Army allowed just three goals, two of which came on man-up opportunities. That’s a statistic usually reserved for lower-tier teams, not a powerhouse like Yale. The Black Knights held the Bulldogs to just 33 shots, with only 19 of those shots hitting the cage and 16 of them being saved by Army’s goalie. This performance wasn’t a result of Yale making mistakes or struggling to clear the ball—it was Army’s defense being that good. The Black Knights forced Yale into low-percentage shots and made sure their goalie saw the shots he wanted.
Army’s defensive performance against Rutgers was similarly strong. They limited their opponent to 33 shots once again, showing that they can consistently execute their defensive schemes. This isn’t a team that relies on turnovers or opponent mistakes to gain possession. Army plays a fundamentally sound, team-first defense, and it’s clear that their unit has bought into the game plan. Their ability to play great defense in settled situations and their commitment to limiting high-percentage shots makes them a tough matchup for any team.
A Balanced Offense
While Army’s defense has been their calling card, their offense shouldn’t be overlooked. Jackson Eicher has been a key contributor, with 10 goals and 11 assists on the season. Eicher’s ability to both score and distribute the ball makes him a dual threat that defenses have to account for. Army’s offensive unit has shown it can score when needed, but their ability to control possession and minimize turnovers will be crucial as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks.
Army’s offense isn’t necessarily explosive, but it is efficient. They’re playing smart, settled lacrosse, which is a recipe for success when paired with their elite defense. If Army can maintain this balance, they’ll be tough to beat, especially when they avoid making costly mistakes.
The Road Ahead
The real test for Army comes when they face top-tier teams later in the season. The March 29th matchup against North Carolina will be their first true test of the year. North Carolina, a perennial powerhouse from the ACC, will bring speed, skill, and depth to the table. Army’s defense will be tested like never before, and it will be interesting to see how they match up against an offense that can score in bunches. If Army can keep North Carolina’s offense in check, they will prove that their defense is for real and that they can compete with the best.
The remainder of Army’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, with games against Lehigh, Boston University, and potential postseason teams looming. But if Army continues to play great defense, control possession, and get key offensive contributions, they have a legitimate shot to make a run at the title.
Can They Win It All?
So, can Army win the whole thing in 2025? Their defense alone gives them a real shot. If they can continue to limit scoring and play smart lacrosse, they can compete with the best teams in the country. However, the key will be their offense. They will need to step up in critical moments, especially in high-pressure games like the one against UNC. If Army can keep their defensive identity intact and find consistent offensive production, they could very well be a national champion.
For now, one thing is clear: Army lacrosse is a team that no one will want to face come tournament time. They are not only a title contender—they are one of the best teams in the country. And with a few more key wins, they could prove that they’re ready to bring home the hardware.
