The United States finished the vaguely challenging task of reaching the 2006 World Championships final today, eventually casting off the Australian team halfway through the 4th quarter, and running out 13 – 10 winners. The Australians did better than they did during the group phase, but the US players always seemed to be in second gear, and never allowed the Aussies closer than two goals at any point. Two goals is not really a lot in lacrosse, but this American team has the ability to stop their opponents at arm’s length, not unlike a big brother palming off a younger sibling by the forehead.

Michael Powell paced the US with two goals and two assists, and provided the game’s best moment – a truly spectacular low-to-high shot from 14 yards on the right wing. Powell punched the air repeatedly, as if the ball nestling under the bar and hanging for a split second before bouncing down onto the line surprised even him. Brendan Mundorf provided much of the Australian spark, the UMBC player picking up three goals and two assists, but the Aussies could never overcome the nine extra possessions that the US face-off crew of Shanahan, Harrison and Cassese, provided for the defending champions.

The USA await the winners of the Canada v Iroquois semi-final, for the gold medal game at 15.30 EST on Saturday.