Canadian Lacrosse Association – OTTAWA, ON (July 16, 2016) – It was a heartbreaking evening for Canada at the 2016 FIL U19 Men’s Lacrosse World Championship, after Team USA capped off a thrilling second half comeback with a goal in the dying seconds to steal a victory from Canada and take home the gold medal, winning by a score of 13 to 12.

The Canadians looked to be in complete control, leading 8-2, after a dominant first half that saw them score at will thanks to some patience while clearing the zone and creative offensive sets. The U.S. squad, known for their solid defensive game, allowed more goals in the first half (8) than they had in any other complete game all tournament.

A second quarter hat-trick from Tre Leclaire (Surrey, B.C.), along with a pair of goals from Tanner Cook (Courtice, Ont.), helped Canada build their lead. Riley Curtis (Brampton, Ont.) made the score sheet with a goal and two assists, while Ryan Lanchbury (Burlington, Ont.) and Ethan Walker (Peterborough, Ont.) added singles.

The over 3,000 fans packed into Coquitlam Town Centre Park were watching a much different Team Canada than the team they saw during a deflating 12-5 loss in the tournament opener at the hands of their rivals from the U.S.

However, things started to unravel in the second half, as a determined Team USA began mounting a comeback, one that their opponents would not be able to withstand.

The momentum began to shift when Alex Roesner opened the half with two quick goals, part of the six in the third quarter that helped the U.S. chip away at Canada’s lead, which by then down to 11-8.

“They got going on the face-offs,” said Canadian head coach Taylor Wray (Edmonton, Alta.). “We were good there in first half, but in the second they got a few in a row and that kind of swung momentum their way.”

It was a slow start to the fourth quarter, with the teams exchanging chances, but neither able to score. Near the midway point of the frame, the U.S. managed to get on the board, but it was quickly matched by Canadian long pole Ryland Rees (Port Coquitlam, B.C.).

As fate would have it, that turned out to be their last goal of the game.   

After tying the game up 12-12 at the 17:25 mark of the fourth quarter, the Americans would win the following face-off, giving them possession with only a few minutes remaining. As they began to cycle the ball in the offensive zone, it was clear that they were trying to kill off as much time as they could, willing to hold onto the ball for a final shot attempt, one that would hopefully put them in the lead and not give their opponents enough time to respond.

The game plan worked to perfection, as Ryan Conrad cut through a pair of defenders in front of the Canadian net to receive a pass from behind it, and he made no mistake, burying a quick-stick goal past the keeper. The United States now had a 13-12 lead, with only 0:08 seconds left on the clock, a shocking turn of events.

But, with Canada’s outstanding ability to win face-offs, the excitement was far from over. Justin Inacio (Oakville, Ont.) won the draw cleanly and sprinted down field, looking for an open teammate. Unfortunately, his pass into the offensive zone sailed high and rolled out-of-bounds as the final whistle was blown to mark the end of the game. 

It was a devastating loss for Canada, who looked poised to unseat the powerhouse Americans as U19 world champions for the first time in the tournament’s history. Instead, the U.S. captured their eighth-straight title at an event that they have yet to lose since its inception in 1988.

While the Canadian players were understandably dejected, their coach was happy with their effort.

“I’m really proud of this group,” said Wray. “I don’t think many people gave us a chance in this game, so to get the start they did and be in control for most of the game was really impressive. They should be proud of themselves.”

The win also marked the first Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) world championship that Team USA has won since their women’s team brought home a gold medal from the Women’s World Cup in 2013. Since that time, Canada has dominated the international stage, holding title of world champion in the men’s field, men’s indoor and women’s field (U19) disciplines.

In addition to taking home a silver medal, several Team Canada players were also recognized by the FIL for their individual performances over the course of the event by being named to the U19 World Lacrosse Championship Team. Kyle Hebert (Burlington, Ont.) was named the tournament’s best goalie, while midfielder Tre Leclaire (Surrey, B.C.) and defender Ryland Rees (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) were each one of three all-stars their respective categories.   

By all accounts, the organizing committee in Coquitlam, B.C. put on an incredible event, and fan support for the host team was tremendous, something the Canadian head coach was thankful for.

“It was a tremendous atmosphere and an exciting game and that’s what you hope for in a world championship,” said Wray. “I cannot thank our fans enough.”

Schedule

All game times below are listed in Pacific Standard Time (PST), the local time zone in Coquitlam, BC.

• Thursday, July 7 at 7:30PM vs USA (12-5 Loss) – RECAP
• Saturday, July 9 at 7:30PM vs England (24-2 Win) – RECAP
• Sunday, July 10 at 7:30PM vs Iroquois (12-9 Win) – RECAP
• Monday, July 11 at 4:00PM vs Australia (17-3 Win) – RECAP
• Thursday, July 14 at 7:30PM vs Iroquois (14-11 Win) – RECAP
• Saturday, July 16 at 4:00PM vs USA (13-12 Loss)

Information

Follow Team Canada’s journey online and join the conversation on social media.

• Webcast:             http://bit.ly/U19LaxWebcast
• Live Stats:           http://bit.ly/U19LaxStats
• Facebook:           @CanadianLacrosseAssociation and @2016FILU19Lax
• Twitter:                @CanadaLacrosse and @U19Lax2016
• Hashtags:            #TeamCanada and #U19Lax2016

About the Canadian Lacrosse Association           

Founded in 1867, the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) is the governing body responsible for all aspects of lacrosse in Canada. Our organization is comprised of 10 Member Associations representing nearly 80,000 individual participants, including coaches, officials, and athletes of all ages and abilities. The CLA’s mission is to honour the sport of lacrosse and its unique nation-building heritage, by engaging our members, leading our partners, and providing opportunities for all Canadians to participate. We strive to accomplish this while adhering to our core values of health, excellence, accountability, respect and teamwork. The CLA oversees the delivery of numerous national championships and the participation of Team Canada at all international events sanctioned by the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL). The CLA is proud to be affiliated with partners that share the same vision and values, including our corporate partners – Warrior Sports, New Balance Athletics, Westjet, and Baron Rings – as well as our funding partners the Government of Canada, the Coaching Association of Canada, and the Canadian Lacrosse Foundation. For more information on Canadian Lacrosse Association and the sport of lacrosse, visit our website at www.lacrosse.ca and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

For more information, please contact:
 

Alain Brouillette

Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Canadian Lacrosse Association
Phone: 613-260-2028 ext. 302
Email: alain@lacrosse.ca