Canada clinched the top seed in the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Indoor Lacrosse Championship playoffs with a win Tuesday over the U.S. The Iroquois Nationals could clinch the second quarterfinal bye Wednesday if they defeat the Czech Republic.
The Blue Division’s No. 3 and No. 4 seeds — likely the United States and the Czech Republic, respectively — will play crossover winners Ireland and Israel in the WILC quarterfinals Thursday.
Below is a recap of Day Four games at the 2015 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
Canada Tops U.S. to Clinch Quarterfinal Bye
(ONONDAGA NATION) Ryan Benesch scored six goals and Matt Vinc was outstanding in the nets as Canada defeated the United States 18-7 to improve to 3-0 at the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
Canada, 3-0, completes the first round against England on Wednesday, has Thursday off, and plays a semifinal Friday against an opponent yet to be determined. Dhane Smith added three goals for Canada, Zack Greer, Chris Corbeil, Jordan MacIntosh got two each and Mark Matthews one.
The United States, 2-2, will face Ireland in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Scoring for the U.S. team were Kevin Buchanan with three goals, Joe Walters with two, Jeff Ratcliffe and Joe Resetarits.
BOX SCORE
WILC Day 5 Roundup: Quarterfinals Take Shape
Iroquois Nationals 20, England 6
English goalie Nick Rose was peppered for the second straight day, as the Iroquois put 76 of their 107 shots on goal in a 20-6 blowout victory. Jeff Shattler and Roger Vyse scored five goals apiece, Shattler added four assists and Randy Staats finished with seven assists in the onslaught. Cole Shafer (four goals) was the lone bright spot for England. Rose made 57 saves and allowed 19 goals.
BOX SCORE
Germany 16, Switzerland 8
Switzerland scored first, but Germany came roaring back with seven unanswered goals and staved off a second-quarter rally by the Swiss to pull away for a 16-8 victory. Brendan Shea scored six goals in the victory. Benjamin Schreiber scored all three of his goals in a 2:12 span that briefly pulled Switzerland within 7-5 early in the second quarter before Germany answered with a three-goal run of its own. The Swiss take on Turkey on Thursday and the Germans meet Finland on Friday in consolation play.
BOX SCORE
Israel 12, Ireland 7
With both teams guaranteed quarterfinal spots, Israel avoided a tough matchup with the U.S by defeating Ireland for the second time in three days. Instead, Israel will face the Czech Republic on Thursday. Kyle Bergman led the Israelis with four goals in the 12-7 win, while Chad Culp contributed three goals and five assists. Goalie Michael Cregan made 44 saves. Stephen Keogh scored four goals for Ireland, which will play the U.S. in Thursday’s first quarterfinal contest.
BOX SCORE
Serbia 16, Turkey 12
Serbia used an 8-2 run bridging the second and third quarters to build a five-goal lead before three straight goals by Anthony Terranova — the top scorer in the tournament — pulled Turkey within two in the fourth quarter. But Alex Gajic and Taylor Yaremovich sealed with 16-12 win for Serbia. Ryan Pavic led the Serbs with five goals. Gajic added four. Terranova had a huge game, scoring nine goals in the losing cause. Serbia will battle Australia and Turkey will take on Switzerland in Thursday’s consolation bracket games.
BOX SCORE
Australia 12, Finland 8
Australia led from start to finish behind Caleb Hall’s had four goals and two assists and Matthew Taylor’s two goals and five assists in a 12-8 victory. Robert Raittila led Finland with four goals and two assists. Australia will meet Serbia in a consolation bracket game Thursday and Finland will play Germany on Friday.
BOX SCORE
WILC 20125 – Day Four Photos
Photos: Coyote Magic Action Images
Wednesday’s Schedule and Broadcast/Streaming Sources
England vs Canada 4:30P (Onondaga Arena) Live Stream (at time of event)
Iroquois Nationals vs Czech Republic 7:30P (Onondaga Arena) Live Stream (at time of event)
LaxMagazine.com (republished with permission)
Original Article: Canada Tops U.S. to Clinch Quarterfinal Bye (WILC)
Original Article: WILC Day 5 Roundup: Quarterfinals Take Shape