LANGLEY, British Columbia — The United States put together a dramatic late rally, but the Iroquois Nationals held on for a 12-10 victory during pool play at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship at the Langley Events Centre.
The Iroquois, the silver medalist at each of the previous four indoor world championships, improved to 2-0 at the event while the U.S., the four-time bronze medalists, fell to 1-2.
Joe Resetarits and Adam Osika scored goals in the opening minute of the game, helping the U.S. jump out to an early 4-1 lead.
After the Iroquois scored four straight goals to take a 5-4 lead, the U.S. responded as Kieran McArdle scored with 45 seconds left in the opening quarter to tie the game.
Resetarits’ power play goal early in the second quarter gave the U.S. a 6-5 lead, but then the U.S. went scoreless for the next 26-plus minutes as the Iroquois scored six straight goals to take an 11-6 lead.
The U.S., which has never beaten the Iroquois at the indoor world championship, made a final run scoring four straight goals to pull within 11-10 on David Emala’s goal with 1:11 remaining.
The U.S. gained possession after Emala’s goal, but McArdle’s shot went wide to turn the ball back over to the Iroquois.
With the shot clock winding down for the Iroquois, Kyle Jackson attempted a diving shot, but it hit off the post, giving the U.S. one final possession. Connor Buczek’s outside shot was gobbled up by Warren Hill for his 48th save of the game and 17th of the final quarter to preserve the Iroquois victory. The Iroquois added an empty net goal in the final second.
Resetarits (3g, 6a) and McArdle (3g, 5a) had monster nights, combining for 17 points for the second straight game. Resetarits had a hand in each of the U.S. team’s first nine goals. Gowah Abrams made 37 saves for the U.S. and held the Iroquois scoreless for 22 minutes in the third and fourth quarter.
Both teams were playing without key players on Saturday night. The U.S. roster will get a boost with the additions of Matt Dunn, Connor Kelly and Matt Rambo flying to Canada after helping Whipsnakes win the inaugural Premier Lacrosse League championship on Saturday afternoon. Iroquois star Lyle Thompson was injured in Thursday night’s opener and did not play.
After playing three games in three days, the U.S. will have an off day on Sunday before completing pool play on Monday against England (0-2) on Lax Sports Network at 7:30 pm (Eastern).
