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Team USA to Face MLL's Best in All-Star Game

from press release

Major League Lacrosse announced Wednesday that the 2010 MLL All-Star Game will pit the MLL-All Stars against the U.S. men's national team, as they prepare for the 2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championships in Manchester, England.

The MLL All-Star Game will take place on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern at Harvard Stadium in Boston, and will be broadcast on ESPN2 with Joe Beninati and Quint Kessenich calling the action.

In addition to the game, players from both teams will participate in the Bud Light Skills Competition, which includes the fastest shot and freestyle competition.

This is the second time that the MLL has adopted this format for the All-Star Game. In 2006, the U.S. men's national team defeated the MLL All Stars 18-10 in front of 9,234 fans at Boston University's Nickerson Field. U.S. men's national team Midfielder Kevin Cassese scored two goals, including a two-pointer, and added an assist earning Bud Light MVP Honors. Cassese is one of five players from the 2006 roster named to Team USA for the 2010 World Lacrosse Championships.

"We're incredibly excited to be hosting the U.S. men's national team at the Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game," said Gross. "This is special treat for all lacrosse fans and we're sure they'll want to experience this incredible event."

US Lacrosse announced the 23-man roster on Nov. 2, 2009. Team USA is dominated by MLL players, with all but one player having MLL experience. The U.S. men's national team includes 2009 MLL Bud Light MVP Paul Rabil and three-time MLL Warrior Goalie of the Year Brian Dougherty.

"US Lacrosse is excited to be involved with the 2010 MLL All-Star Game," said Jody Martin, US Lacrosse Men's Division Director. "This event will serve as excellent preparation for our U.S. men's team as they get ready for the World Games in July, since the MLL is chock-full of some of the best players in the world."

Said Team USA coach Mike Pressler: "Playing the MLL All-Stars at the conclusion of training camp will be an outstanding opportunity for Team USA to prove our readiness prior to our departure for Manchester, England and the 2010 World Championships. We would like to thank Dave Gross and his staff for supporting this tremendous event for all lacrosse fans to see."

The U.S. has won eight gold medals at the World Lacrosse Championships, most recently in 2002. In 2006, Team USA finished as runner up to Canada. The MLL All-Stars will be selected at a later date by the league's head coaches and general managers.

As part of the 2010 MLL All-Star Game, Major League Lacrosse and New Balance will continue their tradition of auctioning off autographed game jerseys worn by the MLL team with proceeds benefiting charity. Since the initiative started in 2006, MLL and its partners (Cascade did the '06 charity) have worked to donate over $140,000 to the following charities: Susan B. Komen Fund, Wounded Warrior, Special Olympics and most recently The Boys and Girls Club of America.

Tickets to the event are on sale now and begin at just $20. Individual and group tickets can be purchased by calling 617-746-9933 or online at www.bostoncannons.com.