Player Spotlight highlights the finer details and elements while supplying insight to the fans on what a player's thought process may be pertaining to a certain play, game or situation. It brings the intensity, passion, and inner most thoughts of the individual player that otherwise may not be felt or heard.

In the Player Spotlight this week is Tim Soudan of the Rochester Knighthawks. Tim is interviewed by Ron MacSpadyen

Ron MacSpadyen has written on sport, technology and intellectual property for The Atlantic City Press; The Globe & Mail, The Ottawa Citizen and the Toronto Star. Ron brings his experience as a box lacrosse player and coach to reporting on the up-coming NLL season. His most recent coverage of the Mann Cup was featured in Lacrosse Talk and Lacrosse Magazine. We are enthused to have Ron onboard as a PLPA correspondent. Ron MacSpadyen had the opportunity to sit down with Tim Soudan of the Rochester Knighthawks and talk lacrosse.

	What were your thoughts on Friday night's game against the Toronto Rock?
	Simply, that I can't stand to lose and especially when I feel we are the better team. Toronto came out very strong and took control of the game early, to the extent that we never recovered.
	Early in the game when Toronto jumped to a 4-0 lead, you and teammate Rusty Kruger scored 19 seconds apart to keep the game close. But after that, the Knighthawks never seemed to get their game together. After such a strong showing in two games last weekend, how do you explain that?
	It really is hard to explain why a team of professionals come out flat. After the first two goals, I felt that we might have gained some momentum, but I was wrong. Rob Blasdell (Rock goaltender) kept our shooters guessing all night.
	Knighthawk goaltending has been a concern since the season-ending injury to starter Steve Dietrich in Philadelphia. While goalies Derek General and Pat O'Toole didn’t have their best game going against the Rock, you must be confident having that tandem in place for the second half of the season. How would you rate goaltending in the league this season?
	After losing such an important part of our team in Steve, I feel that we still have some very competent goaltenders but the had part for these guys is stepping into the shoes of a perennial league leader. Consistency is going to be a key for us in the net. League wide, I would rate Dallas Eliuk (Philadelphia) and Sam LoCascio (New York) as the top two.
	The loss leaves the Knighthawks with a 2-3 record approaching the mid-point of this NLL season. What are the prospects for Rochester in 1999?
	I think the fact we are struggling early this season is not all bad for us. It is going to instill some hunger among the guys and I think it will help us come together as a unit.
	You have an extensive playing career in field lacrosse, including World Championships with the U.S. How have the skills of field players contributed to the indoor game?
	Field players bring a lot to the NLL style. The most obvious skills to me are being able to handle the ball both ways (as right or left shots) and making the transition game faster and more exciting going up the floor. Field players also bring a lot of athleticism to the table and make the NLL the fastest game on two feet.
	What changes have you seen in the caliber of MILL/NLL play from your rookie season of 1991 with New England?
	There has been a considerable change in the leagues since I started in ‘91. Among the most important has been the new structure of the league with independently owned and operated franchises under the National Lacrosse League banner. This helps make the league a legitimate professional sport along with the fact that it's much more competitive with the new rule surrounding the number of Canadians each team can carry. This has created a lot of competition and we're getting the best players to join our league.
	There is speculation that pro lacrosse might return to Boston next season. You played there from '91-94. What is your opinion of NLL expansion prospects in that market?
	I feel the Boston market can be compared to a Philadelphia, if marketed correctly. Once the right people are in place, I believe Boston will be a very strong franchise and help take the NLL to the next level.
	The 1999 NLL All-Star Game on Saturday, February 20th promises to be an entertaining day of lacrosse promotion. What are some of the events planned for Rochester?
	The All-Star game is going to be very exciting! Player clinics and skills competitions should make for a great family event. Kids are going to be able to meet the best lacrosse players in the league.
	You play an active role in the Professional Lacrosse Players Association, serving as Secretary. What important issues are ahead for both the NLL and its players?
	The next big issue will be on an extension to the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Along with an extended agreement you'll probably see league expansion. Expansion means greater exposure both for the league and the league sponsors. It will help make the league stronger with additional revenue streams for the NLL and players alike. TV exposure will be the next big challenge.
	If you could introduce one rule to improve the NLL game, what would it be?
	Every fan must bring one person that has never been to a game before. That would be a great rule for the league and its players!
	Do you have a tip you might offer NLL fans on what to watch for during a game?
	Keep an eye on how the play develops off-ball (the floor side opposite to the side the ball is on). Once you get good at that you will be able to anticipate where the play is going next.

Be sure to look for next week's interview as Tom Borrelli will have Kevin Finneran of the Philadelphia Wings in the Spotlight. Don't Miss It!