Rowan and Team USA Claim World Cup
6/27/2009 1:44:45 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Katie Rowan and Team USA defeated Australia, 8-7, in the final game of the 2009 Federation of International Lacrosse World Cup on Saturday, June 27 in Prague, Czech Republic. It marks the sixth time the U.S. has won the World Cup and the fourth time Team USA has defeated Australia in the final.
The first half featured back-and-forth action that resulted in a 3-3 tie at halftime. The United States came out strong in the second half, scoring five unanswered goals to take the largest lead of the game, 8-3. Rowan, a 2009 Syracuse graduate, assisted on Michele DeJulius' goal, which turned out to be the game winner. With Team USA leading, 8-4, U.S. goalie Devon Wills received a yellow card at the 4:53 mark. Australia scored twice to cut the lead to 8-6 while Wills served her penalty. With than less than two minutes remaining, Australia's Heather Williams scored to create a one-goal game. However, the United States maintained possession during the final minute of play, running out the clock to preserve the victory.
Rowan was Team USA's second-leading scorer, amassing 35 points during the tournament. She dished out 20 assists, also the second-highest total on the squad, to go along with 15 goals.
The FIL World Cup takes place every four years. In 2005, when the championships were held in Annapolis, Md., Australia took home the gold, leaving the U.S. with the silver. Team USA is now 6-time World Cup champions (1982, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2009).
