Photo Credit: Di Miller
Team Canada (0-1) and Team England (0-1) will search for their first victory at the 2014 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championships when the two nations meet Saturday, July 12 at 10 p.m ET (8 p.m. MT).
Canada previously dropped a tournament opening matchup versus rival Team USA, losing the game 10-7.
While there were lingering questions surrounding the Canadian squad entering the tournament, offensive struggles seemed nearly inconceivable for such prolific Canuck scorers. The high-powered Canadian offense was out of syncthroughout much of the game, including an unanswered eight-goal American run.
The absence of John Grant Jr. was evident, with the Canadian offense becoming stagnant without the All-World Attackman to draw pressure from a patient and well prepared American defense.
Canada’s early tournament kinks were evident against an already familiarized Team USA, as head coach Randy Mearns inserted various line combinations throughout the game.
Zack Greer, a member of the silver-medalist 2010 team, saw time at both midfield and attack against the US while registering two goals. Curtis Dickson, who entered the tournament in the midst of an offensive tear with the Denver Outlaws, showed flashes of his brilliance despite struggling at times. The righty attackman had one goal in the game, a sensational diving effort.
Several Denver University products on the Canadian roster impressedin front of the Coloradan crowd, as Pioneers starWes Berg (1A) along with alums Cam Flint (1A), Geoff Snider (1G), Mark Matthews (1G), and Jeremy Noble (1G) accounted for a majority of the Northern offensive attack.
Team England kicked off tournament play Friday night, falling to the Iroquois Nationals by a score of 15-4.
The English went toe-to-toe with Team Iroquois out of the gates, as early goals from Sam Russell and Jack Brook tied the game at 2-2 through the first 30 minutes of play. A five-goal Iroquois run to end the first half would put momentum permanently in favour of the Nationals, as England was outscored 8-2 in the second half.
Russell led England offensively with a pair of goals, while Brook and Nick Watson had lone tallies.
For recap and analysis on the meeting between England and Canada will be available for viewing, along with all the latest FIL World Championships, check back with ILWT.
