Photo Credit: Di Miller
The United States used an 8-0 run to turn a 3-0 deficit into an eventual 10-7 win over Canada to open the FIL World Lacrosse Championships on Thursday evening. That victory could prove large moving forward. Here are six takeaways from the game, including the significance of Team USA’s win to the U.S. – Canada rivalry, Paul Rabil, Rob Pannell and more.
1) The United States is in the driver’s seats; Canada may be in the trouble.
Going in, I didn’t realize the significance of Thursday’s game, but now, I realize the United States is in the driver’s seat for the top overall seed and barring something unforeseen, Canada should be the #2 or #3 seed. What does that mean? The U.S. would have a fairly easy road to the championship game on July 19 while Canada would likely have to face the Iroquois Nationals in the semifinals, who are loaded with talent, especially on the offensive end. There is a clear gap between the top three teams and the rest of the field, so if you’re Canada, you will likely have to beat the Iroquois and United States in succession to win a title. That won’t be easy.
2) Canada’s defense needs to improve. Dillon Ward was his team’s MVP.
Canada gave up 40 United States shots, but Bellarmine alum Dillon Ward was sensational in goal, making 18 stops. For as much as it felt like the U.S. was running away with things, Ward kept his team in the game. Kevin Crowley pulled Canada within 10-7 with 2:39 still remaining and the Canadians had some chances to inch closer. They wouldn’t have been within shouting distance if not for Ward. The U.S. offense had its way with the Canada defense, generating several quality looks, but struggling to finish due in large part to Ward’s strong play. What is the takeaway? If I was Canada, I would be worried about its matchup with the Iroquois, who are loaded on offense with the Thompsons (all five of them), Cody Jamieson, Randy Staats and company. At the same time, can the Iroquois can stop Canada? That game has the potential to be a shootout.
3) The United States – Canada rivalry is alive.
The game was chalk full of hits and the referees for the most part let the boys play. Two moments stand out the most. One was in the second quarter which saw a frantic stretch of groundballs in which chaos ensued. Both teams were selling out for the GB and doing anything possible to get their team possession. A number of pushes or slashes could have been called until finally, Canada’s Kyle Rubisch was whistled for a one-minute slash. The other instance came after a Rob Pannell third-quarter goal. He was hit after his shot (it could be argued whether it was a late hit). Paul Rabil came over to protect his teammate, who was on the ground in pain, and some pushing and shoving ensued. Nothing came of it, but there was a lot of chirping throughout the game which will likely continue should these teams meet again.
4) The impact of John Grant Jr.
You have to question how much John Grant Jr. would have helped the Canada offense on Thursday night. The Canadians finished fairly well, converting 35 percent of their shots (7-of-20), but generating 20 shots is the problem. Grant Jr. is such a crafty player who can create offense and score from all over the field, even at his age. His absence was noticeable. Canada still has talented offensive players, but there’s such a significant drop-off. It’s unfair to expect anyone to produce the way Grant Jr. did.
5) Paul Rabil and Rob Pannell are the United States’ catalysts.
I’m not saying anything you didn’t know. It’s more of an affirmation. The offense always seemed to run through Rabil and Pannell; they are the “quarterbacks” of the midfield and attack, respectively. Both are exceptional at creating offense. Seven of the United States’ 10 goals included Rabil or Pannell. That’s impressive. Both are tremendous dodgers with great vision who are the definition of all-around players. Team USA’s success likely hinges on their success or failure.
6) Importance of two faceoff specialists.
Greg Gurenlian may prove to be the biggest X factor for the U.S. Thursday night was affirmation that two faceoff specialists are needed, especially in a tournament like this with games almost every day. Faceoff can be a hot and cold position. Some days you “have it,” while some days you don’t. Chris Eck didn’t have a bad game by any means (8-for-16), but it was one of those games which felt worse than the numbers showed. It felt like Geoff Snider was winning the timely draw. Gurenlian only took five faceoffs, but won four of them. When he entered in the second quarter, he helped get Team USA the ball which helped spark the team’s run. Having only one faceoff specialist could have meant trouble with wear and tear from game-to-game (especially with the heat in Denver this week), and within a game if either is struggling. Eck and Gurenlian will both play key roles for the Red, White and Blue over this next week of action.
