PHILADELPHIA -- The Temple men’s lacrosse team has created a competitive 12-game schedule for its inaugural season in the MCLA.

The schedule includes contests against four teams that ended the 2019 season in the Top 25 of the MCLA New Balance Coaches Poll.

The Owls will join the Continental Lacrosse Conference East subdivision along with New Hampshire, Boston College, Connecticut and Boston College. The top three from the division will qualify for postseason play.

The non-conference schedule includes tours of the SELC Northeast and Northwest subdivisions. The season starts with a trip to North Carolina to take on Wake Forest, NC State and East Carolina. For spring break, the Owls will head to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to take on the Volunteers and Virginia Tech.

“We could not be more excited for 2020 and for the opportunity to bring MCLA lacrosse to Philadelphia for the first time," said Temple coach Chris Berkelbach. "After playing a soft schedule of MCLA games in 2019, we’re excited for the challenge of a full slate of games this year. Despite the challenging schedule, I expect our team to compete week in and week out and to make a name for ourselves this year in the MCLA.

"We’re honored to be participating in the 'Red Bandana Game' at Boston College honoring former BC player and American hero Welles Crowther. We’re also excited for the opportunity to host Pittsburgh on March 20 for 'The Battle of I-76.'"

Temple will open the season on Friday, Feb. 21 at Wake Forest.

2020 Temple Men's Lacrosse Schedule

* - indicates CLC East subdivision contest
# - indicates contest at Knoxville, Tenn. (Tennessee)