USA vs. Czech Republic: 2015 World Lacrosse Championships Game Date, Start Time
The United States next takes to the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship on Sunday for a showdown with the Czech Republic.
While smack in the middle of a six-game Sunday slate, it's hard to find a contest of more importance. Team USA sits at 0-1 in Group Blue after fading down the stretch in Friday's encounter with Iroquois, 13-9.
The Czech Republic won Saturday against England, 9-7, behind a superb effort from Dominik Pesek, who netted a whopping six goals to showcase a taste of the team's offensive horsepower in pool play.
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Below, let's take a look at Sunday's marquee matchup.
USA vs. Czech Republic
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 1 p.m. ET
Venue: Onondaga Arena
Team USA isn't a stranger to adversity at this particular tournament. This is the fourth edition, and the team has scored the bronze in the past three events while taking on the best teams from around the globe.
The team consistently finishing in front of the United States with silver? Iroquois, of course. On Friday, the United States had no answer for Miles and Lyle Thompson, a duo combining for five goals.
Still, Team USA looked like a game squad, falling behind 8-4 before a furious surge through the third frame, only to collapse in the final. It was an encouraging performance, as head coach Tony Resch suggested, especially considering the team gets to add Casey Powell soon.
"Casey will add a veteran presence," Resch said, per Neil Stevens of LaxMagazine.com. "That kind of injection into our lineup will be welcome. That boost will be a good thing."
It's clear the United States plans to make a late run in the tournament as opposed to blowing teams out of the water in pool play. Starting the tournament without the team's best player due to his prior obligations tends to do that to a strategy.
Still, forward Kevin Buchanan wasn't shy about calling the opening-game loss what it was: a great way to warm up, per Lacrosse Magazine:
A matchup against the Czech Republic is a good way for the team to get more experience under its belt before getting Powell in the fold.
The Czech Republic finished fifth in 2011 and doesn't seem to pose Team USA much of a threat in pool play, although the Czech Republic looked stronger than expected. Pesek, though, will provide a strong test for a defense that just struggled with consistency.
Other than stronger, consistent defense, Team USA will once again lean on Joe Resetarits and Joe Walters for scoring. Both posted a hat-trick in the opening game and figure to be just as potent against a team that had its lapses in a two-point victory.
In the end, Resch's underrated squad played a former silver medalist team on their home turf quite well despite missing its best player. Against the Czech Republic, Team USA looks to take another step toward serious international gold competitor status, so expect both teams to come out firing with some of the best lacrosse fans will see all weekend.
Stats and information courtesy of WILC2015.com unless otherwise specified.
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