NLL Insider

The United States and Canada will battle today at 4pm PST (7 PM ET) for first-place in the elite Blue Division.

The two programs have continually established themselves as the top tiered clubs, but Canada – and everyone else for that matter – have yet to defeat the Americans in U19 World play.

The United States are 31-0 all-time at the U19 World Lacrosse Championships. They enter Sunday’s game after a 27-0 crushing of Japan.

“It’s a big game for us,” said Jay Card, Canada’s leading goal scorer. “The United States are a very strong program – they always have been.”

“It’s going to be a close one. It’s going to come down to who plays more as a team,” added Kevin Crowley, one of Canada’s leading draw-man who plays all over the field for Canada.

“We’re really getting along well, moving the ball well,” said Card. “I think that will be a difference maker in tonight’s game.”

Both teams are 3-0 in round robin play; Canada has defeated Australia (25-7), England (26-7), and the Iroqouis Nationals (15-12) while the United States have played the Iroquois (20-15), Australia (21-7) and Japan (27-0).

“It’s quite an honor,” added Card of playing for the legend Gary Gait. “To be under his belt playing for him is really something special. You always give your best effort because you don’t want to disappoint him.”

Check back later today for more on this game. The buzz is definitely in the air and the stands are expected to be packed.

Canada defeated the United States men’s team during the World Field Lacrosse Championships in 2006 to take gold for the first time in 28 years.

“I think when you win all the time, people think it happens automatically – it doesn’t,” added United States head coach Chuck Apel in an earlier interview. “The kids have to play well.”

The Iroquois Nationals and England will play following big game at 7:15pm PST for third-place during Round Robin play.

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