U.S. Cruises Past England to World Cup Final

by Clare Lochary | Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff | The Blague from Prague

Lochary in Prague: Live Game Blog
Boxscore: U.S. 20, England 3

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- According to Sarah Bullard, it was D-Day.

The U.S. blasted England, 20-3, in the 2009 FIL Women's World Cup semifinal Thursday and will advance to the gold medal game Saturday against the winner of the ensuing Australia-Canada semifinal.

"Our focus has just been building up in each game. We have little goals, and today was D-Day. We wanted to get everything right defensively -- double teams and controled turnovers -- and I think we did it," said Bullard, who was named Player of the Match.

The Americans burst out of the gate with seven fast goals before a lightning delay stopped play at the 18:36 mark. It is believed to be the first-ever weather stoppage in World Cup semifinal history.

But rain did not dampen the spirits of Team USA, which returned after the break to increase its lead and hold a speedy English team to a tournament-low three goals.

"It's a really strong group of young ladies. It's from within with them," said head coach Sue Heether. "They could choose to lead, and they choose to be led by each other."

Six different U.S. players scored multiple goals, led by Katie Rowan (3g, 5a). Sarah Albrecht scored four goals on five shots. Bullard, the youngest player on Team USA, added two goals and was a catalyst between the lines.

Starting goalie Devon Wills made three saves in the first half; Megan Huether had one stop in the second half. Katy Bennett, Charlie Finnigan and Felicity Hermsen each scored for England. Starting English goalie Catherine Gaunt had two saves; backup Anita Thorose had five stops in the second half.

The U.S. now advances to its eighth consecutive World Cup final in its quest to regain the gold, which it lost to Australia in the 2005 IFWLA World Cup in Annapolis, Md.

Related Links	Team USA Schedule/Results
* Official Event Web Site	U.S. 17, England 8 - Boxscore | Recap
* Live Game Video Feed	U.S. 11, Canada 4 - Boxscore | Recap
* Team USA Home Page	U.S. 26, Japan 12 - Boxscore | Recap
* Photo Gallery: USA in Pool Play	U.S. 10, Australia 9 - Boxscore | Recap
* Czech Star Bound for GMU	QF: U.S. 22, Ireland 5 - Boxscore | Recap
* Charlotte's Ville: English Star to UVA	SF: U.S. 20, England 3 - Boxscore | Recap
* Seoul Patrol: Koreans Like Lax	Gold Medal Game: U.S. vs. Australia/Canada - Sat 3 p.m. (Local)

The U.S. women's national teams program is coordinated by US Lacrosse, the national governing body of the sport. deBeer Lacrosse is the official exclusive equipment and apparel supplier to the U.S. women's national teams program.