On October 11th and 12th, the Ontario Under-19 team played Division One Drexel and Division Three Cortland in preparation for the 2008 Brogden Cup.
The team started with an exciting day at Drexel University in Philadelphia. The players arrived at the Drexel turf field late in the afternoon on the 11th. The players begin with a warm-up, followed by a practice run by the Drexel coaching staff. After a scheduled break, the Ontario team played the University squad from Drexel.
The game was 4-4 at the end of the 1st quarter, 7-4 for Drexel at the end of the second, and 9-7 for Drexel at the end of the third quarter. With the long bench of Drexel (43 players) and the relatively short bench (23) of the Ontario team, Drexel was slightly stronger in the fourth quarter, with the game ending 14-9.
Overall, the game was very competitive, and was enjoyable to watch (so said the spectators after the game). The American viewers were surprised to find that the team was made up of high-schoolers, not college students, and that they have only played together a few times. In addition, the players & famalies of the Ontario team were treated to a potluck style dinner afterwards put on by Drexel and their supporters, including cheesesteaks et al!
US Lacrosse was in attendence...click here to read the article. Note: Coach Summerville's name is incorrectly spelled...sorry Dave!
On Sunday, October 12th, the Ontario team played Cortland in New York on the way home. Cortland game out strong, and maintained a fast pace to the action. The Ontario team lost 15-4 in a game that was a great learning experience.
Overally, a fantastic weekend of lacrosse, and a great way to prepare for the 2008 Brogden Cup in Orlando, Florida on December 5th and 6th. A thank you to Coach Bates and Coach Beville of Drexel and Cortland respectively for this support, it is greatly appreciated.
Up next for the Ontario U19 team are practices in November, possibly one more exhibition game, and then off to Florida!
