Attackman Jack Speidell had five goals and three assists and midfielder Colin Kurdyla scored four goals Tuesday as the United States defeated Australia 18-1 to finish undefeated in pool play at the World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship in South Korea.
The U.S. improved to 3-0 and clinched the top seed in the playoffs, returning to action in the quarterfinals Thursday at 7 p.m. local time (6 a.m. U.S. Eastern) against the winner of a play-in game between England and Mexico.
It was a complete team effort against Australia, which opened the tournament with a thrilling overtime win over the Haudenosaunee but could not overcome Canada and was smothered by the United States.
Zach Hayashi and Brady Wambach combined to win 21 of 23 faceoffs, as the U.S. dominated possession. When tested, the defense again proved stifling, blanking the Aussies for the first 42 minutes and forcing them into 18 turnovers. Close defenseman Quintan Kilrain (three caused turnovers), long-stick midfielder Robby Hopper (two) and short-stick defensive midfielder Kyle Bergen (two) were especially disruptive.
Backstopped equally well by goalies Patrick Jameison and Anderson Moore, the United States finished pool play having allowed just six even-strength goals in three games.
The U.S. offense heated up with four goals in the final seven minutes of the second quarter, then put the game well out of reach with a three-goal spurt that made it 11-0 midway through the third quarter.
Australia’s Harry Walsh scored to break the shutout with 2:58 left in the third quarter, but that was all the Aussies could muster.
The United States outshot Australia 56-12. Eight different players scored for the U.S. Splitting time at attack and midfield, Brendan Millon added two goals to his impressive international debut. Midfielder Anthony Raio and short-stick defensive midfielder Thomas Gravino also finished with two goals apiece.
Getting Speidell more opportunities has proved fruitful for the United States. After scoring just one goal in a 7-6 win over Canada in the opener, the Harvard standout has put up 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in the last two games.
With an unblemished Pool A showing and 57-2 all-time record in international junior men’s lacrosse, the U.S. now sets sights on its 10th gold medal. As with all games during this U20 championship, Thursday’s quarterfinal will be streamed live at tv.worldlacrosse.sport.
The U.S. Men’s National Team trains and plays using best-in-class products from Capelli Sport (apparel) and game-changing, high-performance equipment from STX.
In addition to these partners, MedStar Health and NCSI are official sponsors of the U.S. National Team Program. Athletic Republic and GoLiveSports are supporting partners.
Funding for the national teams also comes from generous donors to the USA Lacrosse Foundation. Help support the team.
About USA Lacrosse
USA Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is a Recognized Sports Organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. As the governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse in the United States, USA Lacrosse fuels the growth, enriches the experience and fields the best national teams, supporting more than 425,000 members across the country.
