Perfection: U.S. Blanks Japan
July 5, 2008
by Clare Lochary, Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff
Usually goalies can relax with a double-digit lead. Not Adam Ghitelman in today's U.S.- Japan game.
"It was so nerve-wracking. I much rather would have had one up there," said Ghitelman, who contributed four saves in the U.S.'s 27-0 win over Japan in the 2008 ILF boys under-19 World Cup in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
The shut-out was the first ever in U-19 history, as well as the highest margin of victory for the U.S. program. The record was previously set in 1996, when the Americans beat the Japanese, 30-4, in Tokyo. The U.S. is now 32-0 in U-19 international play.
"We had a couple goals going into the game. One was win. One was do everything right, and I think we accomplished those goals," said attacker Andrew Feinberg, who led the team with six goals and one assist.
Jack McBride (4g, 2a) opened scoring off a feed from Rhamel Bratton (1g) at just 1:38, unleashing an offense that would not quit. While the American attack has been slightly slow to start in previous games, they built a 17-0 halftime lead on Japan.
The overmatched Japanese used a zone defense to try to nullify the Americans' size advantage, but to little effect.
"In Japan we've never played against players that big and we couldn't really get out of the fear of playing against such a big body," said Japanese midfielder Jun Motoshita, who would have spoiled the shut-out if not for a dazzling split save by Ghitelman in the second quarter.
Which of the 27 goals was the best? Take your pick.
There was No. 5, when from behind the cage, Ryan Young found Craig Dowd on the crease by himself, and Dowd released a laser shot that split goalie Kosuke Nakai's (13 saves) legs.
There was No. 16, when Matt Mackrides (5g, 1a) drove in under coverage from the right, faked a behind-the-head-shot and then turned and put a right-handed zinger next to the pipe.
There was No. 20, when Dean Gibbons (1g, 2a) fed Feinberg at goal line extended and Feinberg ripped a no-angle quick stick to score.
The perpetual motion offense was exactly what head coach Chuck Apel wanted.
"We moved the ball pretty well, I was pretty happy with that. We got some great looks inside. What we're trying to do is keep the ball hot, move it around a lot," said Apel.
When asked about the team's level of domination, the coach alluded to tomorrow's match-up against top rival Canada.
"You certainly don't want to embarrass anybody, but we wanted to play well today. We're trying to clean up and get ready for our game tomorrow," he said.
The overwhelming win seemed to lift the Americans' spirit heading into tomorrow's showdown against the host Canadians. The U.S. probably won't have to score 27 points to beat Canada, but it wouldn't hurt, either.
"My job was made a lot easier by the offense," said second-half goalie Tyler Fiorito, who preserved the shut-out with five saves.
"The best defense is a good offense, and I think that's going to be big tomorrow."
Coquitlam, British Columbia - Canada
Saturday Results - July 5
Blue Division
United States 27, Japan 0
Canada 15, Iroquois 12
England 12, Australia 11
Red Division
Germany 15, Bermuda 7
South Korea vs. Wales, 5 p.m. Eastern start
Scotland vs. Finland, 10:15 p.m. Eastern start
Sunday Schedule - July 6 (All times Pacific)
Blue Division
9:30 a.m. - Japan vs. Australia
4 p.m. - Canada vs. United States
7:15 p.m. - England vs. Iroquois
Red Division
11:15 a.m. - Bermuda vs. Scotland
12:45 p.m. - South Korea vs. Germany
2 p.m. - Finland vs. Wales
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