It was yet another stormy day at the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships. The games were stopped for the second time in two days, with the Team USA vs. Team Australia game being delayed twice due to severe weather. As Team USA came on to the field, they were stoked and had the American Flag held high, while their fans were screaming “USA”. Team Australia entered the field, the excitement mounted and the Aussie fans went wild. There was no doubt that this was going to be an action packed and physical game. Team USA would come away with the victory over Team Australia 16-7.
Team USA would get on the board first when Max Siebald (New York Lizards) would put the ball in net. It took less than two minutes later when Matt Diver from Team Australia would tie the game with an unassisted goal. Paul Rabil (Boston Cannons) would quickly put Team USA up by one, but Team Australia would even up the score when Alex Brown had an unassisted goal. This would be the last time that Australia would see the score tied. Team USA would control the remainder of the game. Both teams played aggressive ball; tensions would flare; and the penalties were numerous throughout the game.
USA would see goals from David Lawson (Rochester Rattlers) 4; Paul Rabil (Boston Cannons) 4; Marcus Holman (Ohio Machine) 3 G, 1 A; Rob Pannell (New York Lizards) 2 G, 2 A; Max Siebald (New York Lizards) 1 G, 1 A; Jesse Bernhardt (Chesapeake Bayhawks) 1; and Ned Crotty (New York Lizards) 1.
Australia had four players scoring: Matt Diver 3; Alex Brown 2; Anson Carter 1; and James Lawerson 1.
Team USA dominated in face-offs winning 17 of 23—Greg Gurenlian (New York Lizards) 10-13 FOW; and Chris Eck (Boston Cannons) 7-10 FOW.
Team Stats
USA—16 G, 7 A, 43 Shots, 30 GB, 15 TO, 8 CT, 17-23 FOW, 1-5 man-up
Australia—7 G, 4 A, 23 Shots, 20 GB, 15 TO, 4 CT, 6-23 FOW, 2-7 man-up
MVP’s for the game are Team USA’s David Lawson and Paul Rabil with 4 goals apiece.
On Sunday July 13, Team USA (2-0) will face Team Japan (0-2) at 5:00 p.m.; and Team Australia (0-2) will face Team England (0-2) at 8:00 p.m.
