| WORLD CUP BLOG |
| Joanne Stanga |
Farewell Prague
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After a rousing send off party Saturday evening, Sunday was moving day as 90% of the lacrosse contingent moved out of the host hotels. For some, it was off to begin the second leg of travels to other European countries, and for others, back home to recover and get back to everyday life.
The end of a world event can be bitter sweet. Finishing the competition on a high and achieving what you set out to do is sweet. Finally giving your body time to heal is sweet. Celebrating with friends new and old is sweet. But there are other emotions too. When Wayne Gretzky retired in '99, one of the things he said he thought he'd miss the most was the daily routine of being part of the team. The every day pre-game, post-game, travelling, meals, etc. The team environment is hard to replicate anywhere else. The bonds of camaraderie grow strong through the everyday routines with teammates who become your best friends, the ones who understand you completely and know what you're going through, with whom you help guide through the highs and lows ; joke and laugh with at things that only you get and will never forget. The two weeks of tournament are intense, but when it's over, these things are hard to replace and what you miss most.
My lasting memories...
• The calibre of play amongst the top four teams. The speed and power of the players, the ball, the play was beyond my expectation, and fantastic to witness.
• The "presence" of the Canadians in every game and their groundbreaking performances. A winning record of 4-3; the first victory over England, an extremely close semi-final against the Aussies, and the bronze victory.
• The grinders in Canada's midfield: Abbey and Mandy Friend, Alana Chan, and Lindsey Hart and Katie Brooks. They were exciting to watch in action: out-hustling, weaving their magic with incredible footwork, putting it all out there and always seeming to have more to give.
• Every day I found myself bumping into people I see every 2 or 4 years, catching up and renewing friendships. Unbelievably, I saw Peter and Helen Carroll from Melbourne who I met in '89 and have seen at almost every world event since. It's a great two weeks, and would highly recommend anyone who loves the game to think about making a vacation out of it in two years in Germany or four years out.
• The views of Prague where it's like being in a panoramic postcard, where everywhere you look is magnificent. The view of Prague Castle from the Charles Bridge; the city below from high atop Petrin Hill; the coloured buildings and churches in the old town hall square; the tiny cobblestone streets.
• Fun times on the transit doing my best to pronounce the street names.
• The international feel of these championships, where we didn't always understand each other, but we got by because lacrosse is our bond.
• The coexistence of sun and rain in the same sky. Nature is one of the most important factors in the aboriginal life of Native Americans - the creators of our game. The earth nourished them, the air gave them breath, and the sun and rain encouraged life. Maybe we needed both to bring out the best in the teams.
The folks in Prague have done a great job in hosting the world. For those involved in Peterborough in 2007, you know what a monumental effort it is to bring this kind of event together and make it happen. In a small country like the Czech Republic, where players, let alone volunteers are few and far between, it's tough. We've seen players jump in and contribute even during their own game days. They made a commitment to deliver and by all accounts, they did exactly that.
Děkuju Praha a ahoj! (Thank you Prague and goodbye)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
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Ohhhhhh Canada!!!
Bronze Medal Result
Canada 14 vs England 9
This morning when I walked out of my room, there was a note at the doorstep, and one on every other Canada doorstep down the hall.
Think it ... see it ... believe it ... achieve it. I think the notes say it all!
The medal games today were held at the Synot Tip Arena, the home stadium for the SK Slavia Praha football club. Less than a year old, it's a great venue, and with it's red seats in the background, perfect for the bronze medal game with red and white on both sides of the stadium.
England was at the stadium early and took their seats on the far side of the stadium opposite to the players' benches. The white England flags with the red St. Georges cross were hung in usual fashion. The showdown was on, as the Canadian contingent took the other side to face their foes head on. The maple leaf was out in full force. Support for Team Canada has been great the entire tournament.
Canada got to goal early and often, up 6-0 halfway through the first half. Mandy Friend came out of the gate raring to go: in the mix off the draw, transitioning with the ball on attack and driving to goal. She had already put away the hat trick before England managed their first. Mandy was Canada's top point-getter on the game with 5 goals and an assist. If you get a chance to watch the game footage, take a look at goal number 6 by Brooke McKenzie with the assist from Mandy. What a beaut! From the draw, the ball moved between 8 players before finding the back of the net 47 seconds later.
Within the first 10 minutes of the game, we were seeing evidence that it might not be England's day. They had managed only two shots, the first one off a post, and the second shot at point blank, seen all the way by Canada netminder, Kalley Greer. Kalley's play today was second to none, with many other key saves preventing any kind of momentum for England.
England closed out the half with three straight goals, leaving Canada up 9-4.
The second half was closer with both sides scoring 5, but Canada's first half lead proved insurmountable. On their feet for the last few minutes, Canadian fans enjoyed a loud and proud final countdown as the girls brought it home.
Once again Dana Dobbie was near perfect on the draw, and earned player of the match in the bronze final.
Congratulations to the Team Canada staff who have done a great job preparing and guiding the players to a best ever World Cup performance. (l-r: Jay Hart, Doctor; Patty Kloidt, Assistant Coach; Lisa Miller, Head Coach; Amy Bokker, Assistant Coach).
[Game sheet]
This and that...
Gold Medal Result
USA 8 vs Australia 7
• The USA vs Australia gold medal final was a barn-burner. The half time score was 3-3, indicative of extremely strong defense from both teams. In the second half time, the USA came out with renewed energy, and added 4 quick goals. The Australians were not without opportunities having a significant number of scoring chances. Always in the battle, with 4.18 to go the Aussies had reduced the lead to 2, and by the 2 minute mark, the margin was 1, with the crowd encouraging the Aussies to score again. But in the end, US held on to capture their 6th World title.
• With the strategy of having all neutral officials on the medal games, Canada and UK officials got the call for the gold medal game, and the US for the bronze. Three officials from Ontario (Cheryl MacNeill, Carolyn Toll, and Stephen Taylor) were all selected for the gold medal game. Cheryl and Stephen on the field, Carolyn on the bench.
• At the closing ceremonies, Team Canada marched out very distinguished looking in their red panama hats. JB, Jonzy, and Kylee, three of the teams veterans, performed the traditional flag run just before things got kicked off. Canada lined up for the medal presentation from FIL Women's Director, Shelley Maher, and FIL Board Member, Stan Cockerton, and standing on the field as a country representative, I had a fantastic vantage point to watch. As Tami Rayner (Jones) and Kylee White (Reade)received their medals, I thought back to our first world event in Haverford, PA with the U19s 14 years ago. Kylee had been a box player and just taken up the field game (but already showing that now familiar feistiness), and Tami hadn't had much lacrosse experience at all, but was a great athlete and competitor. We lost that first bronze medal final to England in double overtime, a game that still resonates with me for the sheer will and determination of our girls in coming back time after time. Since then, they've had a couple more bronze medal finals with England, coming up just short. For both girls, this could very well be their last Worlds as players, so this was one was extra special. At the party later in the evening, six of us from the '95 team got together for a reunion photo. Tami, Kylee, Jen Johnson playing for Ireland, Naomi Walser playing for the Haudenosaunee, Cheryl MacNeill who was officiating, and myself.
•
The Heart of Lacrosse Awards were presented at the closing party. Fitting at
such a great celebration where each team honours one person in recognition of unselfish
dedication and outstanding contribution to "an individual who has: made an
outstanding individual contribution to their team ... made an excellent
professional contribution to the event ... made a difference to someone
individually or the group as a whole, significantly enhancing their ability to
participate in the event." Team Canada awarded theirs to their own 'Hart',
Lindsey Hart.• The final awards presented were the 2009 World Team.
Attack:
Jen Adams (Australia)
Lindsey Munday (USA)
Hannah Nielsen (Australia)
Midfield:
Sarah Albrecht (USA)
Dana Dobbie (Canada)
Kristen Kjelmann (USA)
Stacey Morlang (Ausralia)
Laura Warren (Wales)
Defense:
Amber Falcone (USA)
Sarah Forbes (Australia)
Regina Oliver (USA)
Goalkeeper:
Sue McSolvin (Australia)
Friday, June 26, 2009
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15th-16th Game: Denmark 17 vs South Korea 3
13th-14th Game: Netherlands 14 vs Austria 3
11th-12th Game: Haudenosaunee 18 vs New Zealand 6
9th-10th Game: Czech Republic 15 vs Germany 5
7th-8th Game: Japan 11 vs Scotland 7
5th-6th Game: Ireland 12 vs Wales 7
Today, all the finals other than medal games were played, and the rain was still wreaking havoc. I watched Ireland play Wales in the 5th-6th game. Jen Johnson, former Canadian Team player, has been a key player for Ireland.
Once again, with about a quarter of the game left to be played, those dark clouds rolled in. The rained started, lightly at first, but that was my cue to hit the road back to the hotel. About half way back it picked up and so did I, and just as I made it to the hotel entrance at full tilt, the skies opened and boy did it come down. The game was delayed by 45 minutes, and in the end, Ireland defeated Wales 12-7. As a new competing nation, with some help from several quality US players (and 1 Canadian), they played out of the unranked C Pool into the top 5.
The Haudenosaunee finished off their tournament in the 11-12th game defeating New Zealand 18-6. Again a good start for their first World Cup.
This and that...
• Tonight, the IFWLA had it's final reception to wrap up the 37 year old organization, as the men's and women's joint Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) now takes over. The evening honoured current life members Liz Blaydes and Jackie Pitts, and 5 new life members. Susie Ganzenmuller, Marge Garinger, Feffie Barnhill, Sue Redfern and Fiona Clark, all who have made significant contributions in bringing the international organization to where it is today.
• Jackie Pitts came to Ontario in 1987 to assist us in running our first high school clinic. We had gotten a grant to help offset our costs to purchase 4 dozen new sticks and balls, etc. (We were lucky that so many sticks survived after a bunch of them flew off Barb Boyes' truck on the 401). There were 150 players from 14 schools in the Durham area - all but 4 were new to the game. That event kicked off the high school program in Ontario, and to this day, the annual High School Jamboree is still held every year. Jackie made several other visits to Canada over the years, including Saskatchewan and BC, and in speaking with her that evening, had great memories of her time here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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Semi-final Results
USA 20 vs England 3
Australia 12 vs Canada 10
Seven days ago, Canada and Australia took the field in their first game of the tournament, neither knowing exactly what to expect from the other, but everyone fresh and raring to go. Remember that while we got a behind in the first half, we fought back to win the second half.
Today, after 5 games, both sides are more seasoned as a team, a little battle-weary, understand their competition better, and playing the most important game of their lives. For Australia, it's the chance to get back to the gold medal game to repeat what they accomplished four years ago. For Canada, a second chance to take down the mighty Aussies and make their own history.
We got onto the scoreboard first at around the 5 minute mark with the now famous Dobbie from McKenzie quickstick. Over the next ten minutes, Australia began to mount their attack and answered back with 4. We've seen some absolute missiles coming off their sticks this week and they needed them all in this game. Hats off to Kristen Haldeman who played a great game in goal.
As we've seen time and again, the Canadians stuck with the program, held strong and just kept coming back -- twice to within a goal in the first half. Katie Brooks, Abbey Friend and Dana Dobbie each scored in the last 10 minutes of the half and Jess Brownridge put away two in the last 40 seconds (although only one counted). The first was a sidearm just after a whistle, and then the second shot was on a free position, both totally ripping the back of the net. The half ended 8-5 Aussies.
The heat mounted in the second half with the Canadians quickly getting to work scoring 3 in a row to tie the game on goals by Brownridge, and two from Brooke McKenzie. The second was a a beautiful sub shot on free position.
Take a look at the next couple of shots and you get the picture of the all out battle going on.
You could feel the sense of urgency on both sides. The usual patient Aussie transition seemed stressed as the Canucks kept the pressure on.
Because of the rain and the condition of the stadium grass pitch, the game had been moved to one of the turf fields, and we were much closer to the play. We could easily read the expressions on the faces.
There was one out of bounds ball right in front of us that Alana Chan, Hannah Neilson and Jen Adams all dove to gain possession of, and ended up sprawled over top of each other. It was clear that every possession was key, and no one could afford to hold anything back.
With 13:30 remaining, Canada had pulled within one (11-10) on a goal from Alana Chan, and not until the last minute did the Aussies get the extra for a cushion and a chance to breathe.
The final score logged in the history books (12-10) will always be the main story, but for me, the looks on the Aussie faces as they tried to stop the Canadians' advance, the wreckless abandon from both sides as they fought for every inch, every possession, and the pride I felt deep down for this team and these players for pushing the world champions to the brink, is the story that I will always remember. Thanks Canada!
The medal round on the final day of play is now set with Canada vs England playing for bronze at 10:00 am and Australia vs USA playing for gold at 3:00 pm (local time).
[Game sheet]
This and that...
• My heart goes out to the team as we lost Lindsey Hart for the tournament today. In sliding out of bounds to keep the ball in play, Linz landed awkwardly on her shoulder. She was immediately taken to the hospital and has sustained a major upper body injury. I've known Linz Hart since '97 when she first came on board with the U19 program. There has been no player quite like her in spirit and work ethic. As a captain of the '09 team she has become a proven leader on and off the field, and I've been amazed at the resolve and sheer will she's displayed in every game here. She'll be missed.
• And, come on ... what is it with this weather? The US vs England game was suspended for about an hour as thunder and heavy rains rolled in, which pushed the start time for Canada back an hour. When the game started it was actually quite warm, and the sun was beating down on the spectator side of the field. But, right behind us, those darn black clouds rolled in and it wasn't long before we were squinting at the sun in front and protecting ourselves from the rain in back.
• The final medal games on Saturday will be held in Synot Tip Arena, a new state-of-the-art soccer stadium in the same block as the Slavia Sport venue where all the games have been played. It's actually attached to our hotel. Somewhat like the hotel at the Rogers Centre. Tonight 20,000 attended a Depeche Mode concert. The building is still vibrating with music.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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Quarter-final Results
Canada 10 vs Wales 6
Australia 17 vs Scotland 4
USA 22 vs Ireland 5
England 18 vs Japan 12
When success means simply standing on your feet, you know it's going to be a tough day at the office.
Canada started off play today against Wales in the worst rain of the week so far. If a picture is worth a thousand words, this one should tell you the type of day it was, both on and off the field.
Historically, Canada/Wales playoff games have always been nail-biters, and in these conditions, any initial advantages would be negated by the rain. As the teams marched onto the field for the anthems, neither side seemed to be bothered by it. Team Canada was pumped and in great spirits, and Wales came out ready to "shoot for the stars" with each player striking a pose like archers during their introduction. The biggest impact was on the turnover line stat with the sheer inability to get solid grounding to pass, change speed or direction.
Wales shot the first target about 6 and a half minutes in, and Canada's Mandy Friend answered back within 17 seconds to tie the game at one. When Wales came back with their second, Canada slid in their response within 40 seconds on a picture perfect quickstick off the stick of Dana Dobbie with the feed from behind from Brooke McKenzie.
Despite the driving rain and slick conditions in the crease (kitty litter is being used to absorb the excess moisture), Kalley Greer was strong in net, handling at least 5 free position shots in the first half .
Canada took it's first lead at 15:36 with a McKenzie goal from Katie Brooks, but after a Canada yellow card, Wales took advantage of the free position to tie it up.
Even the umpires were having trouble. A yellow card went flying out of hand, off a draw, the ball hit an umpire to the advantage of Wales (who took it to net and took the back the lead), and one of the umpires went down in midfield unable to gain her footing.
Before the half ended, McKenzie tied it up on a pass from Mandy Friend.
Canada kicked in the all wheel drive in the second half and took control on 4 straight goals - two from Abbey Friend, and one each from Crysti Foote and Dana Dobbie. Dana and Mandy finished off the scoring for the half, with Mandy's goal coming with 14 minutes left on the clock.
The quarter-final win over Wales sets Canada up in the second semi-final game tomorrow against Australia (5:15 pm local time). USA will meet England in the first semi at 2:30 pm.
[Game sheet]
This and that...
•
Brooke McKenzie received the "Player of the Match" award today,
setting up 4 and scoring 2.• For '99 alumni, picture Lindsey Hart covered in mud in Scotland after the President's game and you've got a good visual of what she looked like at the end of this game.
• After Canada's game all other games for the day were moved to the artificial turf fields. And it actually stopped raining shortly after Canada's game.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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Tuesday has been an off day for all but two teams. For Canada it was an extra day to rest, recover and prepare for the quarter-final with Wales tomorrow.
I attended the first FIL Women's Division meeting with all 16 countries participating at the World Cup present. We split up the tables so everyone was mixing with different continents. At my table was South Korea, Scotland, Netherlands and USA.
Everyone shared a couple of the achievements within their countries. It was great a great activity, really emphasizing that although we're all at the same destination, the paths we're on are so different. Here's a sampling of some of the achievements:
Australia: Lacrosse is tiny sport in comparison to footy, soccer and swimming (approx 2000 women) but they've managed to retain their government funding. As with most countries, publicity via mainstream media is always tough, but not in the last few weeks, when their U21 men's team was quarantined in South Korea a few weeks ago after one of their players was detected with swine flu. All players were eventually released and went on to play in the tournament they had travelled to.
England: Have received over 2.7 mil in government funding over a 4 year period to address key areas from athlete identification and development to club development. The game is currently more of a school-based program for girls.
South Korea: Being at the World Cup is their greatest achievement. The representative told a great story of one of the players who had never seen yellow hair before, and was very timid on the field. But by game three, she was right in the thick of things wanting to to say hello and thank you in English. Already, the girls have been changed by the game.
Japan: In an attempt to bring as much experience back to the country as possible, they send and support as many as 600 players overseas every year to attend school and advance their lacrosse talents. Their main focus now is developing high level coaching.
Denmark: They only started playing lacrosse in 2002 and have made it to the World Cup. They have a lot of foreign players working and going to school in Denmark, so their numbers are somewhat transient. My favourite was how they generate publicity for the sport, like scrimmaging in parks and beaches, and renting themselves for hire at bachelor parties :) They have so few players that whenever they want a real game they have to leave the country.
We also got a briefing from the organizers of the 2011 U19 World Championships. The tournament will start on August 2nd in Hanover, Germany.
Finally, a full slate of rules were discussed and will be trialed by every country from August to December to be voted on at the FIL General Assembly next July in Manchester, England in conjunction with the Men's World Championships. Those rules that pass at the July meetings will be incorporated into the new rule book.
Monday, June 22, 2009
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Today was Canada's bye day, while the other four teams in Pool A saw their final action in round robin play.
In the big match up between Australia and USA, the Aussies took control early and seemed to be easily overpowering the US up by as much as 7-1 at one point, and closing out the half ahead by a score of 9-4. But in the second half, much like the scenario in the US-Canada game, it was US scoring all 6 goals in the half to come from behind to win 10-9. The US sits in first place in the A Pool, with Australia, Canada, England and Japan in order behind.
This and that...
• The Haudenosaunee were defeated by Ireland today 12-6 in a playoff between the two number one teams in each of the C Pools. Ireland will now go on to play the Czech Republic (3rd placed team in B Pool) to see who will qualify for the top 8 and play into the quarter finals.
• Canada will meet Wales who ended up in 1st place in Pool B with a 4-0 record in the quarter-final on Wednesday at 9:00 am.
• As I hear it's getting progressively warmer at home, we seem to be going the other way here. Probably the coldest day yet today, with more rain scattered throughout. The layered look was definitely in. The long range forecast does not look good either. There's rain in the forecast for the next 9 days :(
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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Team Canada concluded their round robin round play today with a decisive 23-12 win over Japan.
Ranked 5th in Pool A coming into the tournament, Japan was not a team to be taken lightly. While Crysti Foote put Canada on the scoreboard first, Japan was quick to get into the game, coming back with three.
From there Canada's attack got into the groove and started to score in bunches. Five here, five there and another five consecutive goals in the second half. Japan's resilience held fast the entire game. They took advantage of fast break opportunities to catch the Canadians still getting set up and it felt like at any time they could rattle off a few.
But the draw was the game changer. Dana was in fine form and if you look at the game sheet, those 18 draw controls were the major story. Had I not succumbed to the technical difficulties with my camera, I would have added a photo to show the height disparity which simply added to her technique and anticipation. Dana could easily draw to herself and feed quickly to the outside.
In speaking with one of the Japanese staff after the game, they had a lot of respect for that talent and were at a loss for how they could beat her.
Canada concludes its round robin play with a record of 2-2 which will put them in third place in Pool A. This will set up their quarter final against the first place team in Pool B, to take place at 9:00 am on Wednesday morning. This will be either Scotland or Wales who will be playing their final round robin match on Monday at 3:00 pm.
[Game sheet]
This and that...
• Crysti Foote
received the "Player of the Match" award today for her 5 goal, 3 assist
performance.• Today has been the coolest day since the tournament began. The sun peered through from time to time (enough to burn the tops of my knees and shoulders), but during the game, we saw it all, sun, cloud, cool winds and rain.
• The big match for first place in pool A between currently undefeated Australia and USA comes Monday at 4:30 pm (local time).
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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We took a good chunk out of that elephant today folks. A historic win for Canada, defeating England for the first time in World Cup play by a score of 10-9 in what has likely been the most exciting match of the tournament to date.
Dark clouds gathered once again prior to the game and it was a little on the cool side. It wasn't long before the rain started and kept up most of the first half, but it didn't seem to dampen the spirits on the field. It may actually have incited them.
It was a quick start for England putting two goals away in just over a minute and a half, and maintaining control for the first three before Canada made it's first attack. At 6 minutes in, Canada's 'Feet' answered back. Crysti and Julie Foote tied the game with back to back goals about a minute and a half apart.
England deployed the "in your pants" defense on Canada's three attackers, but in the end were not able to shut down Dobbie, McKenzie and Crysti Foote as they combined for 8 goals.
It took another 12 minutes before the next goal putting Canada into the lead, but England matched quickly to tie. Again Canada edged ahead, and England answered back. When it looked like we'd move to halftime in a tie, England turned it on and came back with 2 more in the final 40 seconds, the latter coming with only 1 on the clock. 6-4 England at the half.
Gut check time. Time to also check that all parts are still attached and functioning. The first half was quite the battle. But what came next was even better.
When Canada took the field, they were definitely ready for part 2, quickly erasing the two goal deficit, and adding four more. Halfway into the half some foul trouble resulted in man down situations, and England kept knocking. They crept back to within two, and with under a minute to go, with Canada playing 2 short, England scored another. We all held our collective breath as England made one final attempt and then lost the scoring drive on an errant pass as the final horn sounded.
For those of us lucky enough to be there today to watch, it was a great show. Every player out there, both sides, brought it, and absolutely laid everything on the line for all to see. We felt the struggles on the one on ones, we felt the exhaustion on the transition as players pulled stores of energy from somewhere deep down, and we felt the pain in the last ditch efforts made with bodies flying to intercept, and taking punishing blows to shoot and defend. But most of all, for Canadians, we also felt the pure exhilaration of victory. And yes, that is a beautiful feeling.
Well done today girls!!
[Game sheet]
This and that...
• Dana Dobbie received the "Player of the Match" award today.
Despite heavy defensive coverage for the entire game, she still found a way to score a hatrick. But her value was really felt in off ball situations, creating turnovers and on the draw. In typical Dobbie style, she credits all her teammates as mvps today. I think she's dead on!• In FIL World Cup round robin play, if a game ends in a tie, it goes into sudden death -- first goal wins. In the playoff and final round, the two 3 minute halves are played before sudden death begins.
• I was up early this morning, and thought it was time to get out for a run. I ventured off through the cobblestone roadways of the old town, through the town hall square and over to the Charles Bridge, perhaps the most popular one here (and there are many as the Vltava river separates the two halves of Prague). For over 400 years it was the only link between the two halves. The popularity of the bridge lies in the magnificent statues along it. As I ran the bridge, I stopped at John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr, the only bronze statue on the bridge, now green with age. On the base there's a bronze relief depicting his martyrdom, and thousands of people every day touch the now shiny figures for good luck. It was a big day, and I figured, it couldn't hurt, so I gave it a rub for luck. Seemed to work :)
• Canada is now 1-2 and plays Japan on Sunday at 2:30 pm (local time) in their last round robin match.
Friday, June 19, 2009
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How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at time.
Team Canada was defeated by the USA today by a score of 11-4, and while every game here is important, the score itself was not the main story. The story is that for the second day in a row, Canada worked hard individually and harder at their team game and came up with a winning half against a team they have never beaten. That's another big bite.
For the first 10 minutes of today's game, Canada maintained possession and pressure and held the US to only one scoring drive. Dana Dobbie won 7 of 8 draws in the half; and the team played sound defense against a competitor that generally has no problem putting points on the board, to end the half up, 4-3.
On attack, Katie Brooks, Alana Chan and Abbey Friend did a great job one on one, keeping the ball and defense moving. Lindsey Hart and Mandy Friend were absolute workhorses in the midfield, and Kylee White and Jess Brownridge led the charge in locking down the house on defense.
Goals in the half came from Brooke McKenzie, Alana Chan, Abbey Friend and Crysti Foote.
As the half closed out, some very dark and eerie clouds that had been moving progressively closer opened up, starting the second half off in a brief downpour. Foreshadowing?
The second half was all USA, scoring all 8 goals of the half to end the game at 11-4.
Canada's record now stands at 0-2, but my optimism runs high. There is no shortage of talent on this team; there is experience, and there is leadership. When the three forces unite, there could be a cosmic explosion. I can't wait.
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.
[Game sheet]
This and that...
• The Haudenosaunee made their World Cup debut today in Pool C defeating Austria 20-0.
• Even with the rain today, the temperature is still very pleasant. No jacket required.
• Canada plays England on Saturday at 11:30 am (local time). England is currently 0-1 having been defeated by the US on Thursday 17-8 and coming off a rest day on Friday.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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Game on! Our Canadians took the field today for their first match of the 2009 World Cup against defending World Champions, Australia.
Four years ago, in the semi-final at the 2005 World Cup, Canada had it's hands full with Aussie sensation Jen Adams, who was a major force scoring 4 times and adding 6 assists on the day to help her team to a 22-7 win.
Flash forward to this morning's action. It didn't take long to realize this was going to be a battle -- both sides giving and taking. And once again there was Adams. By my unofficial count ... 4 goals and 6 assists.
Australia came charging out of the blocks with 2 quick goals in less than a minute and a half, but Canada stood up and answered back with 3 of its own on zingers from Katie Brooks (2) and Mandy Friend to take the lead at 21.24 of the first half.
Aussie coach Sue Sofarnos called a time out to regroup, and regroup they did. Eight Aussie goals came next. But before the half ended, young Team Canada speedster Abbey Friend weaved her magic and added one to end the half 10-4 in favour of Australia.
In the second half, the Canadians looked renewed and refocussed, winning the half 7-6. While Australia put the first one on the board, Canada came back strong with 5 -- 2 from Dana Dobbie both on great second efforts, 1 from Lindsey Hart and second goals each from the Friend sisters. Alana Chan added the 10th, and number 11 came courtesy of Abbey Friend, completing the hatrick. Pretty impressive for a 16 year old in her first World Cup game.
In the end, Australia earned the win 16-11. Canada will take some valuable lessons learned and get ready to meet USA tomorrow at 2:30 pm (local time).
For me, the brightest star shone from our goalkeeper, Kalley Greer. I counted no less than three point-blank range shots off the stick of Jen Adams that were cleanly stuffed! Small in stature, huge in heart and determination. Well done Kalley!!
[Game sheet]
This and that...
• My special moment of the day was listening to an awesome rendition of the Czech anthem sung by the crowd prior to their team's first World Cup game on home turf. Standing on the field for your anthem is one of those moments that stays with you always. But when you can listen to your fans sing it with such passion, wow. It reminded me of the first time I heard Senator fans sing the anthem during the playoffs. Yep, I'm sentimental about this stuff, and it brought tears to my eyes. Same with today. I soon learned that the anthem was only a small part of the Czech talents. The songs and chants and cheers that followed ... non-stop ... may go unmatched through this tournament. As it should be.
• One of the highlights for tourists in Prague is the astronomical clock. Every hour on the hour, 12 times a day, the Apostles shuffle past the top two windows bowing to the audience. Tonight, a group of reps from each of the teams was given a view of the clock that few ever see. Mayor Pavel Bém greeted us at the town hall and we were treated to a tour and had a chance to see the 9 o'clock hour ring in from "the kitchen view" as he called it, watching the Apostles make their round.
• Travel time to field today: 25 mins. Challenge conquered!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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Standing before a record number of competing nations, tonight at the Opening Ceremonies, Prague Mayor Pavel Bém officially declared the 2009 FIL World Cup open.
On a clear, warm Prague evening that couldn't have been scripted any better, the new international organization, FIL, saw its inaugural world event come to life. The Federation of International Lacrosse, established in 2008, united the ILF and IFWLA into one unified global organization. FIL President Feffie Barnhill welcomed athletes from 16 Nations, making note of the 6 countries competing for their first time: Austria, Denmark, Haudenosaunee, Ireland, South Korea and Netherlands.
Team Canada was led by flag-bearer and 5-time World Cup competitor, Tami Rayner (Jones).
During the ceremonies, in speaking about the growth of the game, Barnhill looked to the field full of talent and experience and gave the players the challenge that they could lead the way in the continued growth of lacrosse around the world.
IFWLA Past President, Fiona Clark, encouraged teams to 'take opportunities and make opportunities' over the next 10 days as they 'play their best against the best.'
The road to every World Cup is a long one, full of challenges of every kind, but this is always a special night . This is the night when the past is forgotten, and the hopes and dreams are now in clear focus. Tonight, everything is possible. Looking at the players trying to stand still while the ceremony was going on around them, it was evident that tomorrow could not come soon enough. All they wanted to do was play.
This and that...
• At a reception held following the ceremonies, the story of how women's lacrosse came to then Czechoslovakia was told. A young girl had read an article in Lacrosse Magazine in the late 80's about a US player with her same name. Sandy Bryan (USA '82 '86 89; 2-time World Cup champion and Hall of Fame Inductee) was that US player who received a letter from the Czech girl. Bryan rounded up a few of her lacrosse friends and headed to a country where no one could understand the words of the other. But through actions, expressions, music and laughter they taught each other, not just lacrosse, but much more. From that initial experience, the game began to grow, and some twenty years later, the Czech Republic is hosting the lacrosse world at its biggest event ever.
• Prague city transit is fantastic. There are no English signs and it's daunting at first, but subway lines are coloured, Yellow (A line), Green (B line), Red (C line) and buses are numbered. Once you get the hang of it, it's super easy to get around, or so I'm told. My 25 minute trip from the Old Town to the stadium has not taken me under 60 minutes yet, but it's only day two and I'm determined to master it. Thank God for a few helpful bus drivers.
• Canada begins its World Cup competition against defending World Champions Australia tomorrow morning at 11:30am (local time).
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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After a week of training in Prague, Team Canada had a scrimmage on the World Cup pitch this evening against the hometown Czech team. A great opportunity to check competitive readiness, work through basic strategies, and confirm that all systems are go. To a player, the team is firing on all cylinders! The Czechs will compete in Pool B against the likes of Wales, Scotland, Germany and New Zealand. Canada will meet Australia, US, England and Japan in Pool A.
This and that...
• Ice is in short supply and after moving in to the host hotel earlier today, players are happy to have a regular supply of ice to help recovery -- a common post training/post game treatment which has been sorely missed.
• Athletic tape is also rare, and while waiting for additional supplies to arrive from overseas, Team Canada has resorted to using black hockey tape. Unusual, but seems to have tied them over -- and possibly set a new fashion trend!
• Prague is 6 hours ahead of Ontario, 7 Manitoba, 8 Alberta and 9 BC.
• There's been a lot of buzz around a test match played last week where England defeated the defending World Champions from Australia 8-6. Of course in the grand scheme of things no result prior to June 18 counts, but it certainly seems that all contenders are well prepared for battle.
• Opening Ceremonies take place at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, and games begin on Thursday the 18th.