May 7, 2026
By Ryan Baker
After standout performances in Week 2, Week 3 features even more debuts—either teams as a whole or individual stars making their first appearance in 2026. Here are seven x-factors to watch this weekend, each poised to play a pivotal role in their team’s success.
Anthony Gutowsky, Madison Radicals
There were only three teams that didn’t play in the first two weeks of the 2026 season. This weekend, two of them will face each other, with the Madison Radicals traveling to the new-look Indianapolis AlleyCats. The 2025 league leader in goals, Anthony Gutowsky, makes his 2026 debut against the team he has had the most success against in his career. Among players against teams still in the league with at least eight games played, Gutowsky has the fifth-highest average in goals, with his opponent being the AlleyCats at 4.25 per game. Not to mention, over his career, he has been involved in 8.5 possessions per game in which the Radicals stopped the AlleyCats' offense. Even with Indy’s added defensive power, expect Gutowsky to be on the field often and make impacts on both sides of the disc.
Ben Jagt, New York Empire
In Week 2, Ben Jagt benefited from the New York Empire’s new addition, Alex Atkins, catching three of his seven goals from him and achieving his highest goal total since 2023. That previous game saw Jagt score eight goals against the DC Breeze, the team the Empire plays this weekend in a Mother’s Day Matinee matchup. Atkins alleviated some of the offensive facilitation burden from Jagt, allowing him to excel again in his preferred downfield and endzone roles. While it is early in the season, a similar performance this weekend could set Jagt up for his first 50-goal season since 2021. The matchup will be notable as DC’s Charlie McCutcheon recorded three endzone blocks last week and will aim to contain Jagt.
Nate Little, Indianapolis AlleyCats
On the other side of the Madison and Indy matchup is Second Team All-Defense selection Nate Little. Little is making his 2026 and AlleyCat debut after posting 16 blocks with Philadelphia last year. Head Coach Nathan Bussberg highlights Little’s athleticism and mobility, noting his 6’5” frame enables him to cover more ground than most defenders. His left-handed throws challenge Madison’s frequent double teams, disrupting their defensive strategies. If Little contains Gutowsky, he could seriously undermine the Radicals' game plan early on. Finally, Little will get his first Central Division taste (besides Pittsburgh), and his aggressiveness could shock Madison and turn the tide for Indy to come out on top.
Jonathan Lyle, San Diego Growlers
Following a tough two-point loss against the Carolina Flyers in Week 1, the San Diego Growlers will look to rebound, especially with one of their biggest difference makers now available: Jonathan Lyle, a First Team All-Rookie selection. After Los Angeles disbanded, Lyle joined San Diego, bringing the production of 42 assists, 25 goals, and over 5,000 total yards. His 42 assists are the fifth-most in any 11-game rookie stretch since 2020. Lyle’s hucking ability will be crucial against the Hustle, as he completed 75 percent of 21 attempts, the eighth-highest rate in 2025 among players with more than 20 attempts. In his only matchup against the Hustle, Lyle contributed four assists, three goals, and over 500 total yards, making him a key factor for San Diego in this game.
AJ Merriman, DC Breeze
AJ Merriman is off to an incredible start in 2026, logging five assists, five goals, and two blocks in his first two games of the season. As the anchor of the Breeze’s D-line, his ability to generate turnovers and initiate fast breaks will be crucial as they face the high-powered New York Empire offense. Last week, Merriman sealed the game against Montreal by catching a huck from Sean Mott to tie up the game in the fourth quarter and then tossing the decisive assist, putting his team up three with less than a minute left. Merriman’s aerial skills drive the transition offense, and he will directly challenge Ben Jagt or Alex Atkins. If Merriman wins most of those matchups, DC could pull off a huge upset and be well-positioned after Week 3.
Anton Orme, Oakland Spiders
The Oakland Spiders have looked like the best all-around team in the league, putting up 34 goals in Week 1 and then dismantling Salt Lake Shred by 10 the following week. A big reason for last week’s win was the rookie debut of Anton Orme, who recorded two assists, one goal, and two blocks on a perfect 26/26. This weekend, Head Coach Liam Kreiss could open things up more for the rookie during a doubleheader against the Seattle Cascades and Oregon Steel. Orme is used to big games and looked right at home in his UFA debut, commanding the transition offense. As he gets more reps against weaker teams, Orme may light up the stat book and showcase his dangerous potential across the league.
Will Selfridge, Atlanta Hustle (Pictured)
The Atlanta Hustle suffered a heartbreaking Week 1 loss to the Austin Sol that ended in a sudden-death finish, but I can’t say the Hustle's offense cost them the game. However, the offense gets even stronger this week with Will Selfridge joining the lineup against the Vegas Bighorns and San Diego Growlers. Selfridge brings versatility from downfield to backfield, and his speed and agility allow him to move seamlessly between roles. Last year, he was pivotal for Salt Lake Shred’s Championship Weekend, recording 20 assists, 25 goals, and 4 blocks in seven games—including four assists, five goals, and two blocks in two playoff games. By adding Selfridge’s ability to impact both offense and defense and combining his strengths with Atlanta’s existing stars, Atlanta gains an adaptable weapon who can excel in big moments and may be a difference-maker versus the Growlers.
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