U.S. Advances to Meet Canada in Semifinals
from staff reports
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Tournament scoring leader Brendan Mundorf scored three goals and added four assists Thursday in Team USA's 28-2 win over Australia that earned the U.S. a semifinal game against top-seeded Canada in the FIL world indoor championship. © Larry Palumbo |
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- The United States has a date with Canada after defeating Australia 28-2 in the Quarterfinals of the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships today. The U.S. advances to the semifinals at 10 a.m. Eastern on Friday. Fans can follow the game on www.wilcprague2011.com.
The U.S. was led by an eight-point effort from Drew Westervelt and seven-point performances from Brendan Mundorf (3g, 4a) and Paul Rabil (6g, 1a). Ginny Capicchioni earned her second win in goal with 13 saves. The Americans improved to 3-1 with the victory. The Australians got goals from Jacob Egan and Darren Nicholas. Williams Martin made 23 saves in the loss.
In the world championships, the United States has been led by Westervelt's tournament-leading 28 points (17g, 11a). Rabil is tied for second with 23 points (11g, 12a), while 2010 NLL MVP Casey Powell has 19 points (9g, 10a) in just three games. Starter Erik Miller has allowed 13 goals, while Jake Henhawk and Capicchioni have also seen time.
"It's one of those games in your career where you are only going to face Canada in so many opportunities," Mundorf said. "Each one is pretty important. It's a big test and everyone's game has to elevate."
A win and the United States is guaranteed its best finish in the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, having won bronze in the previous two events. The winner of the game advances to the tournament finals. The Iroquois (3-0) will play the winner of Thursday night's England-Czech Republic game.
