July 1, 2008

Note: Excerpts of this article appear in the current issue of Lacrosse Magazine, a monthly publication of US Lacrosse. Join now to start your subscription!

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by Clare Lochary, Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff

Beginning Thursday, the U.S. Under-19 men's team will compete for the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) World Championship in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Head coach Chuck Apel will lead 23 of the nation's best players in the Americans' quest for their sixth straight U-19 title. Before departing, Apel chatted with LM about the composition of the team and the competition in Coquitlam.

What is the greatest strength of this year's team?

We're pretty unselfish on offense. When we move the ball, we're pretty good. Our goalies, Tyler Fiorito and Adam Ghitelman, I think are very good.

What was the most important thing that you worked on during the five exhibition games in June?

We want to play as many people as possible, and see what their strengths are. It was so hot [at times] that everybody played a lot. Twenty-three guys is not that many guys when it's 110 on the turf.

What's the biggest challenge of getting a team to coalesce with limited practice time?

It is difficult to become a team - knowing each other, playing together. They kind of do everything just a little bit differently. Some of the terminology, that's one of the hard things, getting everybody on the same page.

Is it harder coaching an all-star team than a normal team?

I don't think it will be with this group. It is sometimes, but they're outstanding young men. They all want to win and they'll do what we ask them to do. They'll find their role and try to fill it as much as possible. They are great players. But everybody's got a little bit of ego. You're not a great player unless you've got a little bit of ego.

Who has breakout potential?

Attackman Jack McBride played very well - a lot of ground balls and a lot of hustle. Both goalies played real well in the exhibitions. I think it's going to be game to game, though. This is going to be one of those teams where the situation dictates who shines that day.

Attackman Steele Stanwick and midfielder Shamel Bratton were on the original roster, but were unable to participate in the tournament. Josh Amidon was quickly substituted for Bratton, but you needed a three-way tryout between Grant Catalino, Andrew Feinberg, [who won the tryout and was the team's leading scorer in exhibition play], and Kory Kelly to replace Stanwick. Can you explain how you made those decisions?

We had Amidon very high on our list [after tryouts]. Catalino, Feinberg and Kelly, they gave us a couple different things we were looking for, and we had to choose.

Who will be the toughest matchup in Coquitlam?

Canada's playing a lot more field lacrosse and a lot of their kids have played in college now. They always have great feeders and shooters. Same with the Iroquois - they're great around the goal. And Canada's the home team - that's a big incentive.