With the start of the W.I.L.C. just thirteen days away, Team U.S.A. gathered at Bryn Athyn College (20 miles northeast of Philadelphia) for a scrimmage against Team Fusion coached by Tom Slate. Two of the big names for Team Fusion were Kevin Crowley and Jordan Hall. Former Philadelphia Wing Eric Hoffman was on the roster as well.
There was no “official” score kept on the board, but from my count I had 18-9 U.S.A. The game was played with a running clock of four 15 minute quarters. The first half showed a huge display of Team U.S.A. offense and strong defense.
Joe Walters, Drew Snider, Marcus Holman, Kevin Buchanan and Garrett Thul all recorded hat tricks. Jeff Ratcliffe(2) and Don Moss scored the others. Chris Collins and David Mather split the time between the pipes for both teams. Mather played the first half for Team U.S.A. and Collins played for Team Fusion. They switched teams for the second half.
The second half saw more of Team U.S.A. playing situational lacrosse. At times they would only have four players on the floor to work on their man down unit, and Team Fusion would do the same so U.S.A. could work on man up unit. Their was also a few times they pulled the goalie to play with the extra attacker.
Overall this team is very strong on offense, and the defense played very well. Brett Manney, Chris O’Dougherty and Greg Downing stood out making Team Fusion pay for any moves toward the net. One thing they need to work on is getting back on defense on the fast breaks. They gave up too many chances with players coming out on the floor.
There was a nice little crowd to show support for U.S.A., but also to see their former Wings players.
One surprise to the fans was Jeff “The Rat” Ratcliffe. Jeff last played indoor in 2008 with the New York Titans, but had to step away due to neck and back injuries. But today, Ratlcliffe looked like the player he was in 2001. Moving off picks, finding the open man, and taking his spot by the net just outside the crease. Jeff said “I knew when camp was going to be, so I shed 25+ pounds in four months, went running and feel better then ever”.
Another spotlight was on the crafty veteran Casey Powell. Powell (39) still looks like the player he was when Rochester drafted him in 1998. Fans along with his teammates were amazed at some of the passes he was making, setting up a number of players with opportunities. Casey may be the elder statesman on the team, but he plays with the heart of a kid.
Garrett Thul who played one year of box for the Philadelphia Wings, did not play last season due to military commitment as he was going through Army Ranger School. Thul came back to play in the season finale for the Charlotte Hounds (MLL). Thul said “It felt good getting back on the floor. Playing with the likes of Powell, and being able to represent my country is an honor.”
“It’s been almost two years since I played box, I’m ready to hit someone”, said Thul
So look out teams in the Blue Division, along with anyone else that gets on the floor across from Garrett Thul.
Team U.S.A. will hold another practice Sunday 9am-11am at Bryn Athyn College.
