Photo Credit: Di Miller
JAPAN
Unfortunately for Japan, they are a good team that got placed in a powerhouse pool grouping and were handed an uphill battle of a schedule.
Japan has gone up against Australia and Iroquois thus far in the past three days, are are held low at two losses. Their first match against Australia seemed very promising as they played well into double overtime and lost by a mere goal 14-13.
Following that, the Japanese got blown off the mountain by the Iroquois Nationals 24-9.
USA
Powerhouse of Excellence in one team. Must I say more? The United States sit at the top of their grouping at 2-0, tied for first with Iroquois.
Kevin Leveille, Rob Pannell and Garrett Thul have had heavy impacts on opposing defenses. They are able to play either side of the offense, whether it means pulling defenders wide and looking for assists or taking an opponent one on one straight to the cage.
Kyle Harrison really steps up his game continuously every time he touches the turf. He’s not intimidated by offenders who want to take him 1-v-1 and he always finds his opportunities when on the offensive side of the ball.
Ned Crotty and Paul Rabil have beeing lighting up the midfield with sniper shots from far out multiple times.
THE MATCH UP
USA has been dominant at the face off. Chris Eck and Greg Gurenlian have each pulled their own weight in finding the team momentum on the field.
Japan may seek a comeback game, but I truly don’t think tonight’s game will be that one for them. I foresee the US trying some different draw strategies and finding the back of the net yet more creatively.
USA18
JAPAN 8
