BALTIMORE — Foremost on Paul Rabil’s mind after his new professional lacrosse league’s first prime-time game at his college campus: His team lost, surrendering nine goals in an ugly fourth quarter.
But still, easily 100 children screamed his name while they waited for an autograph. An old coach at Johns Hopkins, where Rabil played in college, came down to shake hands, praising Rabil’s highlight-worthy fourth-quarter goal — “Just like when I was back here in school,” Rabil said — and his creation.
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Fans watch the start of the third quarter during the inaugural season of the Premier Lacrosse League in which a game that showcased the Whipsnakes versus the Atlas at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Atlas midfielder Paul Rabil (99) practices before the game against the Whipsnakes at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Eric Golette (right) and son Cayden of Frederick, MD look to purchase Lacrosse gear from the Fan Zone before the game that featured the Whipsnakes versus the Atlas at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Kids pose in Lacrosse gear in the Fan Zone before the game that featured the Whipsnakes versus the Atlas at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Patrons get tickets scanned before the game that featured the Whipsnakes versus the Atlas at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Atlas midfielder Noah Richard (25) is leveled by Whipsnakes defender Bryce Young (6) during the first quarter at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Atlas attack Eric Law (15) attempts shot against the Whipsnakes during the second quarter at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Whipsnakes midfielder John Haus (26) is fouled by Atlas midfielder Kevin Unterstein (13) during the second quarter at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 22: Atlas midfielder Paul Rabil (99) looks on after loss against the Whipsnakes at Homewood Field. (Photo by Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)