The United States opened 2008 International Lacrosse Federation U-19 World Championship play with a 20-15 win over the Iroquois at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Attacker Andrew Feinberg led all scorers with five goals, followed closely by teammate Craig Dowd with four. The victory lifted the Americans to a perfect 30-0 in U-19 international play since the first championship in 1988.
Dowd opened the day’s scoring on a power play goal following Pierce Abrams’ penalty for interference, but the Iroquois twice took a one-goal lead in the first quarter, at 3-2 and 4-3. U.S. midfielder Tim Donovan equalized the game at 16:58 and Rhamel Bratton scored the go-ahead goal on a bounce shot at 18:35 to give the Americans a 5-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. The U.S. never trailed again, although the Iroquois did tie the game, 8-8, at 14:01 in the second period on Miles Thompson’s (2g) goal in the second quarter.
After Thompson’s equalizer, the Americans went on a 5-1 run that put the game out of reach. The Americans’ 20 points were spread over nine players, and U.S. face-off specialist Matt Dolente dominated at the X, winning 23 of 37 attempts. Starting goalie Adam Ghitelman made seven saves, and Tyler Fiorito contributed five stops in the second half.
Peter Jacobs led the Iroquois with three goals. Iroquois keeper Jeffrey White kept his team competitive with a 16 save performance.
U.S. Goals: Andrew Feinberg 5, Craig Dowd 4, Matthew Mackrides 2, Tony Mendes 2, Tim Donovan 2, Ryan Young 2, Dean Gibbons 1, Jack McBride 1, Rhamel Bratton 1.
Iroquois Goals: Peter Jacobs 3, Elihja Printup 2, Randy Staats 2, James Cathers 2, Emmett Printup 2, Miles Thompson 2, Michael White 1, Andrew Cordia 1.
U.S. Assists: Tim Donovan 3, Ryan Young 2, Josh Amidon 1, Joel White 1, James Green 1, Dean Gibbons 1, Craig Dowd 1, Jack McBride 1, Matthew Dolente 1, Rhamel Bratton 1.
Thursday's Results – July 3
Blue Division
United States 20, Iroquois Nationals 15
England 24, Japan 5
Canada 25, Australia 7
Red Division
Germany 7, Wales 5
Bermuda 11, Finland 5
Scotland 8, South Korea 1
Friday's Schedule – July 4 (All times Pacific time)
Blue Division
12:45 p.m. – Iroquois Nationals vs. Japan
4 p.m. – United States vs. Australia
8 p.m. – England vs. Canada
Red Division
9:30 a.m. – Wales vs. Bermuda
2 p.m. – Germany vs. South Korea
5:15 p.m. – Scotland vs. Finland
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