U.S. Tops Australia, Advances to Face Canada in Super Sixes Final

OSHAWA, Ont. — Chris Kavanagh tallied eight goals while his brother, Pat, recorded seven points in a 26-15 game that lifted the U.S. Men’s Sixes National Team over Australia in the semifinals of World Lacrosse Super Sixes at the Oshawa Civic Fields.

The U.S. foiled a quick start by the Aussies, who led 2-1 less than three minutes into the game. Shortly after, the U.S. tied it up courtesy of C.J. Kirst ripping an outside shot. 

Both teams traded back and forth throughout the opening quarter, and it ended with a three-goal run from the U.S. that saw Connor Kirst, Coulter Mackesy and Chris Kavanagh score. The U.S. led 7-5 after the opening quarter.

Australia came out hot in the second quarter. It got better looks on offense and found more scoring lanes, but Blaze Riorden made multiple saves to keep the U.S. in front. The Aussies did score a couple on Riorden as Lachlan Walker and Marcus Wertheim scored less than 40 seconds apart. 

Chris Kavanagh continued his scoring prowess with three straight goals, including two textbook snipes as he picked the same corner twice to expand the American lead to 13-9 at halftime.

Both team swapped goalies after halftime, but it did nothing to slow the U.S. They kept shooting up top and picking corners and went on an eight-goal run in the third quarter that blew the doors wide open. 

Five different players scored during the run, including two goals from Grant Ament, Pat Kavanagh and Connor Kirst. Second-half goalie Liam Entenmann made some stellar saves, including a sprawling stop that made the fans at the event go crazy. 

Entenmann finished the quarter with six saves while surrendering two goals. The U.S tacked on a few more before the quarter ended, and with the U.S. up by 10 heading into the final quarter, they were in full control and played smart. They used the two-man game effectively to create scoring chances and players like Pat Kavanagh used the X position well.

“Pat always plays with his eyes up, and he’s always looking to make the feed,” C.J. Kirst said. “And then you factor in his ability to get his hands free and to shoot or pass dodge down the alley, it’s fun and cool playing with him”.

Kirst also looked ahead to Canada, who the U.S. will play later on Sunday. The U.S. fell to Canada 23-18 just a few weeks ago at the Atlas Cup at USA Lacrosse headquarters.

“It’s going to be a fun, tough battle, and the team is looking forward to it and should be fun with all the fans out here today, and I’m looking forward to playing in a gold medal game,” he said.

The final, scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern, will be streamed on World Lacrosse TV.