The Ones To Watch!

Players who are sure to make an impression this year!!

USA

Brian Dougherty: The ‘Doc’ is the USA’s number one GK. A larger than life character and the oldest member of the squad. In 1995 he gave the performance of a lifetime in the NCAA final four against Johns Hopkins, winning 16-8 in the semi-final. This will be Brians 3rd World Championship and he is yet to be challenged as the USA’s first choice, expect to see some HUGE saves.

Ryan McClay: First Team all american for Cornell in 2002, seven strong years in the MLL, and a gold medal at the 2003 World Champs only underlines what a truly great defenseman ryan is. Rarely putting a foot wrong and a strong determination to prove his worth after being cut from the 2006 World Champs, he is truly one for budding international defenseman to keep an eye on.

Ned Crotty: On Memorial Day this year, Crotty led Duke as captain to the NCAA Division I national championship. He won the 2010 Tewaaraton Trophy, awarded to the best player in all of NCAA lacrosse, recording 23 goals and 63 assists for the season. He was also 1st in the MLL draft by the Chicago Machine. He will definitely be making waves in this year Tournament.

ENGLAND

Tom Williamson: As one of the co-Captains for this years England team, he bring a cocktail of strength, positional play and technical ability to table. Also captain for his club side, he led the team to the double, dominating the Premier League and Flags Finals.

Sam Russell: A young player, the second youngest on the squad, has spent the past two years at Whittier College, a Division III school in California. As a sophomore he started 15 of 15 Games, scored 31 Goals, made 25 Assists, 56 Points in total, with 33 Groundballs. These impressive stats left the England youngster in the top 5 nationally for Division III midfielders. Not only one to watch during this years games, but one for the future also.

Nick Watson: Don’t let his size fool you! With ankle breaking change of direction and breakneck speed, Watson has been running circles around english defense-men for years. Still young; some might say; in his prime, Nick has been training with the England Squad since 2007. He played in finland as part of the team who won the Europeans. He went to the Flags Finals this year with Rochdale, and was a key player in their most successful season in years.

CANADA

Broadie Merrill: This 6’ 4” 205lb Long stick midfielder played at Gorgetown University, now playing in both the MLL and NLL, he seems to only get better and better. His first year in the pro’s, winning Rookie of the year in both leagues. A fantastic athlete, who plays skill full and intelligent lacrosse. Look out for him on offensive transitions.

Geoff Snider: The MVP at the last World Championships after winning 143 of 195 face-offs. This was the first time a face-off specialist has won. The numbers them selves are exceptional, however it is the way that snider dominated the possession which make him so special. His ability to win quick possession from the face-off and creating fast breaks is what gives him the edge over the competition.


John Grant Junior: Generally accepted as the best stick handler in the world, JGJ was top goal scorer in the World Championships 2006. His credentials in college and professional lacrosse would require day’s of your time, so lets just say, expect tremendous lacrosse with fantastic showmanship.

IROQUOIS NATIONALS

Sid Smith: Extraordinary pace and Sheer size are two things that this man possesses. However, his huge success comes from his ability to read the game and inspiring defensive play. Sid a two time NJCAA champion, Minto cup winner, NCAA Division I Champion, and MLL league winner , this guy is obviously doing something right! With what could be seen as a sixth sense on the field, this guy always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Jeremy Thompson: An all round midfielder, solid in all aspects of the game. Whether he is making a dodge, a cut, or even playing man down defense, Thompsons always embedding deep tracks everywhere he plays, I’m sure the 2010 WC’s wont be any different.