O'Neill's Sixes Debut Ends in a Win, but Canada Keeps the Atlas Cup

Tayoni Galante scored for the Haudenosaunee Nationals, who had deposited four of the last five goals and closed the gap from five to two. 

As the U.S. marched the ball down the field, Brennan O’Neill positioned himself on his familiar spot on the lefty wing. Josh Yago came across the top of the field and swung the ball down to him. 

The defender gave him space. Ss 

Too much space.

O’Neill went into attack mode. He dodged at the defender, putting the stick in his right hand and going underneath him before getting the stick back to his left and slamming the ball with authority into the back of the net.

The Haudenosaunee Nationals continued to claw at the lead. They had a chance to tie the game with less than 20 seconds left, but a save by goalie Ryan Croddick preserved the 17-16 U.S. victory.

The U.S. finished second in the Atlas Cup for the second straight year, its lone loss of the weekend coming Saturday night against champion Canada.

O’Neill finished with two goals, capping off his first experience playing sixes competitively.

“It’s really unique,” O’Neill said. “Not a lot of time to think. It’s all reactionary and just based off instincts. Some shots are good and some shots are bad compared to other types of lacrosse. You’ve just got to feel around that, and you’ve got to learn what’s good offense, you know?”

Not only did O’Neill have to learn the intricacies of the discipline, but he also got to know a lot of new teammates. His favorite part of the weekend was spending time with the rest of the team, a majority of whom he’s played against every week during the Premier Lacrosse League season but hasn’t gotten to suit up with as teammates yet. Seeing how motivated everyone was and how much they enjoyed playing lacrosse was uplifting for O’Neill.

There were still a couple of familiar faces, though, including Joey Spallina. 

O’Neill and Spallina grew up together and famously were club lacrosse teammates on Team 91 Crush. Playing together once again with “USA” across their chests was a dream come true, and Spallina — who finished the game with four goals and two assists — was complimentary of his friend.

“Listen, he’s a beast,” Spallina said. “He’s 6-4. He runs like the wind and shoots it as hard as he possibly can. He’s definitely a tough cover with a long pole, so when there’s more of an offensive-minded guy on him, it’s pretty hard to defend him.”

While O’Neill scoring off a strong dodge from the lefty wing or off a rocket on a step-down shot (which he did for his first goal) isn’t new, seeing him playing defense in a settled situation was out of the ordinary.

Not only did O’Neill enjoy the opportunity, but he also looked like a natural. In the second quarter with the USA up 6-5, he stepped out on a shooter and knocked the shot down, causing a turnover. 

He lit up when talking about that aspect of his game.

“Defense is super rewarding,” O’Neill said. “It’s so hard, so when you make a stop, it really helps the morale of the team and yourself. It’s really fun to get to play on the other side of the ball.”

Head coach Andy Shay acknowledged the challenge O’Neill faced having to play both sides of the ball, but he gave the big lefty credit for asking questions, learning the system,and putting in his best effort.

On offense, Shay said, “He’s one of the best players in the world for a reason,” citing O’Neill’s power and strength specifically.

“He got loose a few times and shook the cage,” Shay said.

For O’Neill, the 2023 world championship MVP in the field discipline, it was the first step in what he hopes continues to be a long journey playing sixes for the United States.

“Anytime I get to rep the red, white and blue, it’s an unbelievable opportunity,” O’Neill said. “It’s such an honor being on the field with such great talent, and I’m looking forward to learning more about this new game.”

For the second year in a row, Team Canada left the Atlas Cup with a championship and an undefeated record. 

The team clinched first place with victories over the Haudenosaunee and the United States, then finished the weekend with a 24-16 victory over Ireland on Sunday morning.

Finn Thomson led Canada with six goals (on six shots).

“I trust my teammates to pass me the ball and find the open seams on the inside or just step into my shot and be confident with it,” Thomson said.

The team’s mantra was “Be Canadian.” Zach Currier — the Capelli Player of the Game against Ireland (four goals, six assists, six ground balls) and Titan Award winner as MVP of the Atlas Cup weekend – said the phrase meant to be respectful of your opponents and play selfless lacrosse.

Thomson said it’s always an honor to play with the Canadian flag on his chest considering how much talent is in the player pool. Getting to do so twice in the past month has also been an enjoyable experience, which is another staple of what it means to “Be Canadian.”

Canada avenged a loss to the United States in the Pan-American championship earlier this month with a road win Saturday.

“Sixes is very fast, but it’s also very fun,” Thomson said. “You can get really creative with it, and that’s what we do in Canada. We get creative, and it’s our favorite kind of ball.”

“I just try to embrace it all,” Thomson added. “I just love this team, love these coaches and it’s a lot of fun.” 

Men's All-Tournament Team
Zach Currier, Canada
Brett Dobson, Canada
Thomas McConvey, Canada
Joey Spallina, United States
Matt Traynor, United States
Zed Williams, Haudenosaunee

Titan Award (MVP): Zach Currier, Canada

Women's All-Tournament Team
Sydni Black, United States
Sierra Cockerille, Haudenosaunee
Jenika Cuocco, United States
Erica Evans, Canada
Ally Kennedy,  United States
Nicole Perroni, Canada

Titan Award (MVP): Jenika Cuocco, United States