Pictured (right): England attacker Charlotte Finnigan tracks back as the United States break from defence
By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)
ENGLAND's women still have a chance of medalling at this week's FIL World Cup despite a crushing defeat to the United States in yesterday's (Thursday) semi-finals.
The national side slipped to a 20-3 loss at the SK Slavia Praha Sports Centre, but now face Canada tomorrow with the opportunity to win another bronze medal up for grabs.
Lois Richardson's side beat Canada in Annapolis at the World Cup four years ago to win themselves a bronze.
But having lost 10-9 to Canada in their Pool A clash earlier in the tournament, England know they will have to be firing on full cylinders to make sure they secure a place on the medal's podium.
From the start against the US, England found themselves under pressure and were 3-0 down after just 2min 56 secs.
Richardson called a time out, but the US were relentless and added another four goals to lead 7-0 after 7min 49secs.
Then a freak thunder storm halted play at 11min 24 secs for over half an hour as both sets of players took shelter for their safety.
Unfortunately the US remained ruthless after the restart and eased 9-0 ahead until Katy Bennett - England's leading scorer with 13 goals - hit back for Richardson's team.
The US went 11-1 up until Felicity Hermsen scored England's second goal of the game, but the five-time winners finished the half 15-2 ahead after four unanswered goals.
England had it all to do in the second half, but gave a spirited display as their defence held firm to concede only five goals.
Attacker Charlotte Finnigan (pictured above) scored to reduce England's arrears to 16-3, but US head coach Sue Heether watched on as her side scored four more to finish comfortable winners.
Goalie Sarah Albrecht top-scored for the US with four goals, while Katie Rowan scored three goals and contributed five assists.
Fellow attacker Caroline Cryer scored three and had two assists, while midfielder Kristen Kjellman also netted three goals.
Sarah Bullard scored a double, as did fellow midfielder Lindsey Munday, who also had two assists.
Michele Dejuliis had a goal and an assist, with Holly McGarvie and Eric Lagrow also on target.
In this year's other semi-final Australia, the defending champions, held their nerve to clinch a nailbiting 12-10 victory over Canada.
Ahead 8-5 at half-time, Australia saw Canada level at 8-8 and push them the distance.
But Australia and the United States will now play each other in a repeat of the 2005 World Cup final.
England face Canada for the bronze medal tomorrow (Saturday, 10.30) at the Synot Tip Arena, with the gold medal game between the US and Australia to follow at 2.30pm.
Today Wales and Ireland lock horns for fifth place after the Irish stunned Pool A country Japan.
Ireland bravely fought back from 7-6 down at half-time to clinch a famous 15-13 win, while Wales kicked on from 5-5 at the break to beat Scotland 11-8.
Day 8 results, Thursday 25th June
Semi-finals
England 3 United States 20 (h/t 15-2)
Australia 12 Canada 10 (h/t 8-5)
5th-8th place games
Ireland 15 Japan 13 (h/t 6-7)
Scotland 8 Wales 11 (h/t 5-5)
9th-16th place games
Germany 15 New Zealand 4 (h/t 8-5)
Czech Republic 12 Haudenosaunee 7 (h/t 6-3)
Denmark 9 Austria 10 (h/t 7-7)
South Korea 1 Netherlands 28 (h/t 1-17)
Today's matches
15th place: Denmark v South Korea
13th place: Netherlands v Austria
11th place: New Zealand v Haudenosaunee
9th place: Czech Republic v Germany
7th place: Japan v Scotland
5th place: Wales v Ireland
Tomorrow, Saturday 27th June
Bronze medal: England v Canada
Gold medal: Australia v United States
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Catherine Gaunt, Anita Thorose.
Defenders: Alex Harley, Georgina Hurt.
Midfielders: Emily Gray, Eleonor Garnier, Annabel Kiddle, Rachel Kirchheimer, Kirsten Lafferty, Lucy Lynch, Elizabeth McCosh, Camilla Paget, Alison Smith, Jennifer Waterfield, Hannah Barnsley.
Attackers: Katy Bennett, Charlotte Finnigan, Felicity Hermsen, Laura Merrifield.
Note to editors - for more information on English Lacrosse visit www.englishlacrosse.co.uk
For the official 2009 Women's World Cup site visit www.lacrosseworldcup2009.com
Also why not visit the official Manchester 2010 World Cup site as the excitement builds ahead of next year's men's tournament www.2010worldlacrosse.com
And our social networking sites - www.twitter.com/2010_lacrosse, www.2010worldlacrosse.blogspot.com and http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6380164361&ref=ts
To contact English Lacrosse - The Belle Vue Centre, Pink Bank Lane, Longsight, Manchester, M12 5GL. Tel: 0161 227 3626 Fax 0161 953 2459 Email: info@englishlacrosse.co.uk
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