2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship

While the Iroquois Nationals made history Tuesday night, they didn’t disappoint.

Playing in a sold out Onondaga Arena, the Iroquois Nationals played its first-ever international game on Haudenosaunee soil, beating England 20-6 in their third game of the FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.

“It was a great game for the Haudenosaunee,” Iroquois Nationals head coach Rich Kilgour said. “This is the first international game on home soil. I think the guys showed how fired up they were in that first quarter. We kept playing hard, and they (England) showed lots of pride, playing a little rough to try and get back in it. But we stayed the course, took care of business and got out of here with a win.”

A fired up Iroquois squad scored 10 unanswered goals in the first quarter, with Jeff Shattler and Lyle Thompson leading the way with three goals each, while Roger Vyse added a pair. Brandon Goodwin and Miles Thompson pitched in with one apiece.
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One mantra Iroquois Nationals head coach Rich Kilgour has preached, is playing a team concept. And that was on full display Friday night in the opening game of the 2015 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.

With Lyle Thompson and Jeff Shattler leading the way, scoring three goals each, the Iroquois Nationals kicked off their quest with a 13-9 win over the United States in front of a sold out crowd at the Syracuse War Memorial Arena.

“I’m happy with how we played,” Kilgour said. “There were some lapses, but that’s going to happen. It was our first game together. I really liked how we moved the ball. I liked how we brought that team concept. When we do that, I think we’ll be tough to beat.”

And the Iroquois Nationals showed that right off the start, with Johnny Powless scoring the first two goals before the game was seven minutes old.

Shattler and Miles Thompson also scored in the first quarter, while Joe Resetarits replied for the Americans.

Adam Bomberry and Miles Thompson replied to another Resetarits goal to open the second quarter, before Joe Walters and Blaze Riordan inched the United States closer.
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Playing the Creator’s game for the world championship on Haudenosaunee soil has certainly been a long time coming.

That’s exactly what is going to take place beginning Friday, when the Federation of International Lacrosse World Indoor Lacrosse Championships kicks off in Onondaga and Syracuse.

The tournament, with the Iroquois Nationals as hosts, features 12 other countries, begins Friday, and continues to Sunday September 27.

Iroquois Nationals goalie Angus Goodleaf can’t wait for things to begin.

“It feels good to be playing here,” Goodleaf said. “It feels like home. I just can’t wait to get going.”

Since Monday, when Iroquois Nationals players and staff began to arrive, the team has slowly taken shape.

“Today (Wednesday) was our first full practice,” Goodleaf said. “I think we’re ready. I really like this group. We’ve got lots of talent. There’s a real togetherness among us. Everyone is just ready to get things started.”

But before the tournament begins, the Iroquois Nationals have also had the opportunity to visit Onondaga Nation. Among the stops, was a powerful event at the Onondaga Longhouse, where the team was treated to a warm welcome, and received their ribbon shirts in front of the original Hiawatha Belt.
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