Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications
The 2023 World Lacrosse Men's Championship came to a close on Saturday with the United States team—which prominently featured five former University of Maryland players—besting Canada 10-7 to win its second consecutive World Championship.
Terps helped the U.S. secure the gold with a spotless 7-0 record and an 8.29 average margin of victory.
Defense was Team USA's strength, anchored by captains Jesse Bernhardt ‘13 and Michael Ehrhardt ’14, and Matt Dunn ‘16. Bernhardt, now a two-time gold medalist, led the United States with 10 caused turnovers; his four caused turnovers and three ground balls helped Team USA trounce Australia 12-3 in pool play. Ehrhardt, the 2018 World Championship MVP, finished the tournament with a pair of goals, four caused turnovers and three ground balls.
Terps were also key to Team USA’s offensive efforts. Matt Rambo ‘17, who started all seven games, finished fifth on the team in both points (14) and goals (9). Connor Kelly ’18 totaled seven goals and nine points across six games. He earned Team USA’s "Guy of the Day" Award after his four-goal, one-assist performance helped defeat Israel in the team's first playoff game.
Other Terps who stood out on the World Cup field include 2022 National Champion Drew Morris ’21, M.S. ’22 who helped lead Israel to a seventh-place finish, and Thomas O'Connell ‘19 and Donovan Lacey ’23, who helped earn a 10th place finish for Puerto Rico. 2018 USILA Honorable Mention All American Goalie Dan Morris ’17, M.S. ’18 started all seven games in the cage for the Philippines.
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