U.S. Men’s U-19 Lacrosse Team Earns Championship Berth

COQUITLAM, B.C (July 10, 2008) - Attacker Andrew Feinberg and midfielder Nick Elsmo scored four goals each as Team USA withstood an early challenge to defeat England 25-5 in Thursday’s semifinal of the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) World Championship. The U.S. (6-0) will face Canada in Saturday’s gold medal match at 2:30 p.m. PST.

Elsmo scored three times in the opening half as the U.S. team built an 11-3 halftime lead in the semifinal. The Americans then outscored England 7-0 in the third quarter, with Feinburg scoring three times in the quarter.

Six other Americans scored at least twice in the game, led by Dean Gibbons, Matthew MacKrides and Rhamel Bratton with three goals each. MacKrides also added a game-high four assists to lead all scorers with seven points.

The U-19 team improved to 35-0 all-time in international competition and will try to claim its sixth straight ILF U-19 title.

Team USA built a 5-2 lead in the first quarter. English attackman Zac Guy (2g, 1a) beat defenseman John Lade topside and stuck a low shot on goalie Adam Ghitelman that closed within three. England won six of eight first-quarter face-offs.

The tune changed in the second quarter, however, as U.S. face-off specialist Matthew Dolente won all six of his draws and sparked a 6-1 run that England could not counter. Dolente finished 15-for-20 on face-offs.

England’s goalies Anthony Hayes (14 saves) and Daniel Grimes combined for 21 saves in the loss. England (3-4) will play the loser of the Canada-Iroquois semifinal for the bronze medal Saturday.

• More Semifinal Coverage on LMO

U.S. Goals: Andrew Feinberg 4, Nick Elsmo 4, Dean Gibbons 3, Matt MacKrides 3, Rhamel Bratton 3, James Green 2, Ryan Young 2, Jack McBride 2, Josh Amidon 1, Craig Dowd 1

U.S. Assists: MacKrides 4, Dowd 3, Young 2, Elsmo 1, Green 1, Feinberg 1, Gibbons 1, McBride 1, Anthony Mendes 1, Tim Donovan 1