Iroquois Prevail in Surprising Overtime Game Against United States

[Photo: Ryan McCullough] 

In a game that saw five different lead changes, one goal shy of 40 Goals, and over 120 shots the United States and Iroquois needed overtime to settle their Round Robin game of the 2019 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship.

As the old saying goes “lacrosse is a game of runs” and David Anderson got the ball rolling at the 12:42 mark of the 1st Quarter with his first goal of the game; Anderson finished with 3 Goals and 4 Assists. After an opening three (3) goal run by Iroquoi, Colby Lensing got the United States on the board, starting a back-and-forth goal exchange until the United States went on a five (5) goal run of their own that extended into the 2nd Quarter.

In the 2nd Quarter the United States and Iroquois scored four (4) goals apiece, helping Iroquois carrie a 9-8 lead into the second half. In the 3rd Quarter Lensing and Christian Ronda were instrumental in winning the quarter 7-6 for the United States, keeping the game tied 15-15 into the final frame. 

In the 4th Quarter Owen Hill, who scored all three (3) of his Goals in the 4th Quarter, scored a quick even strength goal for Iroquois at 13:46 before the United States found themselves in early penalty trouble. However, Iroquois was unable to score on their power play and then took three (3) consecutive minor penalties of their own. Teams exchanged special team goals, first Kevin Owen Hill scoring short handed for Iroquois, then John Fox scoring on the power play for the United States at 10:43. Owen Hill responded 20 seconds later with his second goal, assisted by Kevin Owen Hill, to regain the two (2) goal lead.

Griffin Schutz put the United States on his back and scored the game’s next two goals erasing the Iroquois lead. With 3:55 left in the 4th Quarter Brian Wiles scored his 3rd Goal of the game for his hat-trick and give the United States a 1 Goal lead with only minutes remaining. 

In dramatic fashion, with their Goaltender pulled, Owen Hill scored a power-play extra-attacker goal for Iroquois with only eight (8) seconds left to force overtime. Wake:Riat Bowhunter sealed the win for the Iroquois with an even strength goal at 11:55 in overtime.

[Photo: (left) Colby Lensing - United States, (right) Kevin Owen Hill - Iroquois]

Players of the Game, for the United States, Colby Lensing with 4 Goals and 4 Assists and, for Iroquois, Kevin Owen Hill with 3 Goals and 4 Assists on only 7 Shots. The United States have completed their Round Robin play while Iroquois will face Poland tomorrow at 5:00PM ET.

Watch: YouTube 
Boxscore: Iroquois 20 - United States 19 FINAL OT
Players of the Game: Iroquois Kevin Owen Hill, United States Colby Lensing
Next Game: August 8, 2019 5:00PM Round Robin - Iroquois vs Poland, Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Mississauga, Ontario