What better way is there to play the sport you love, than to represent your country? That’s what 98 lacrosse players will try to do as they participate in tryouts for Team USA at Goucher College in Baltimore. There were 156 applicants alone for spots on the tryout roster, which was released during the Denver versus Chesapeake game this past Saturday. Choosing 98 players is no easy task, especially out of 156. Getting that roster down to 40, and ending with 25, will be the real test for the coaches, players and all persons involved in the selection process.
The USA will have a lot to live up to after taking home the gold during the 2010 FIL games held in England. From that roster, there were 27 total players, twelve of which will be trying out again. Not to mention, a former player from that team will be part of Coach Richie Mead’s staff in Kevin Cassese. Returning players include some of the best talent in the MLL. At attack, Brendan Mundorf, Ryan Boyle, Ned Crotty, Drew Westervelt, and Kevin Leveille. Fans could see Matt Striebel, Stephen Peyser, Max Seibald, and Paul Rabil running midfield, with Matt Abbott doing his specialty at short stick defensive mid. Defensively, it’s a little more open as Lee Zink, an alternate for the 2010 team, and Kyle Sweeney are the only two returning defenders. Brian Dougherty, who stood between the pipes for most of the 2010 FIL Games for the United States, retired from professional play, with Adam Fullerton not on the list for try-outs, leaving this pipes unattended.
Not only is there new blood in the water, the tryout roster goes eight deep into the college ranks with Duke boys Brendan Fowler (Face-off) and Jordan Wolf (Attack), Bryant face-off animal Kevin Massa, midfielder’s Tom Schreiber (Princeton) and Chris LaPierre (Virginia), defender Joe Fletcher(Loyola), LSM John LoCascio (Villanova), ending with Penn State goaltender Austin Kaut. Putting these college guys in early will help push the older guys, but also boost their confidence. Not only do they have a chance to make the team, but it gives them insight into what’s to come down the road and puts them on the Team USA radar, wether they make the team or not.
Biggest questions are still yet to come. Who will be the go to guy in net? Do you take more midfielders or attackman/Do you invert them? Can college guys play at this level? Wide open defensively, who do you take? How will the LXM and MLL guys synthesize?
Face-off’s and goalie position’s will be the biggest competitions getting down to the final group of 25, let alone 40. With the way today’s game of lacrosse is played, controlling the draw is key to winning games, as is having a goalie who won’t crack under pressure. Their toughest opponents in Denver will be Canada and Iroquois. Veteran leaders will make their presence known in the likes of Casey Powell, Matt Striebel and Kyle Sweeney, giving the younger players insight to what the international level of play will be like. Boyle and Striebel are trying to make Team USA for the fourth time. Playing well for yourself will help, but the coaches will also want to see how guys play together, looking to form their own Coneheads line.
Some players that did not apply for the team were Joe Walters, Kyle Dixon, Alex Smith (achilles), and Mike Leveille. There are players that I am shocked to not see on the list, but there may be factors for them not being on the list.
There are 21 attack, 28 midfielders, 10 SSDM, 8 face-off guys, LSM’s and goalies, with 17 defenders rounding out the list. 31 of them were on the roster for the Champions Challenge in the win over Loyola, and 21 picking up a slot for the Duel in Denver, where the U.S. fell to Canada. It’s good to see that there is consistency in keeping guys who have worn the USA jersey together, even if it was for a short period. However, come August 30, those players will have to fight for their spots. Coach Meade and company have their work cut out for them.
A full list of the 98 players can be found here: http://www.laxmagazine.com/teamusa/men/2012-13/news/072713_team_usa_tryout_list.
Who do you think will make the 40 spot roster? if you’re feeling risky, what would the final 25 roster look like?
