The United States (3-1) defeated Scotland by a score of 17-9, in the quarterfinals of the 2007 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship on Friday evening in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The U.S. scored the first four goals of the game and never trailed, leading 6-1 after one quarter and 11-5 at halftime. With the victory, USA advances to the semifinals against the Iroquois Nationals (3-0), on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.Eastern.

Keevin Galbraith (New York Titans) started the scoring moments into the game, and Matt Alrich (New York Titans) followed it up with back-to-back goals only 35 seconds apart to put the United States up 3-0. Scott Stapleford (Portland LumberJax) picked the top left-corner of the goal before Kyle Arbuckle finally put Scotland on the board. Pat Dutton (Rochester Knighthawks) snuck the ball past Scotland goaltender Derek Collins and Zach Heffner (Chicago Shamrox) caught a rebound and tip-toed around the crease before scoring, giving the United States a 6-1 lead after one quarter.

"Tonight's effort was a step forward both offensively and defensively for us," said Alrich, who led all scorers with four goals and two assists. "We moved the ball much better, we were getting to the middle of the floor and setting good picks. As a team our shooting percentage was much better as well." Galbraith finished with three goals and one assist, while Chris Panos (Chicago Shamrox) and Kyle Fiat (Philadelphia Wings) each had two goals.

The U.S. led by six goals at both halftime and after three quarters at 11-5 and 13-7, respectively.

"We're improving and coming together as a team every game we play," said Kevin Finneran, Director of Player Personnel of the U.S. National Team. "We have an extraordinary group of guys up here and I think we're going to raise a few eyebrows in the medal round. The 23 players on our roster are proud to wear USA on their chests and their hearts on their sleeves."

The United States has only played the Iroquois Nationals once before in international indoor competition, falling 21-14 in May of 2003 in Ontario. USA finished 3-4 in 2003, good for third place. The Iroquois Nationals finished second at 5-2.

The Nationals have many dangerous offensive players, including Cory Bomberry, Roger Vyse, and Delby Powless of the Buffalo Bandits, Dean Hill of the Minnesota Swarm, and Craig Point, an up-and-coming star from Six Nations.

The winner of Saturday's semifinal will most likely meet Canada on Sunday in the gold medal game. Canada (3-0), which has won its three round-robin games by a combined score of 67-10, plays either England (2-1) or Australia (1-2) in Saturday's other semifinal at 4:00 p.m.Eastern.


U.S. Schedule and Results (all times Eastern)

Monday, May 14 - vs Australia - W, 19-9
Tuesday, May 15 - vs Ireland - W, 20-0
Wednesday, May 16 - vs Canada - L, 18-5
Friday, May 18 - vs Scotland (Quarterfinals) - W, 17-9

Saturday, May 19 - vs Iroquois Nationals (Semifinals) - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 20 - Gold/Bronze Medal Game - 9:00 a.m./1:00 p.m.