TURKU, Finland -- Tyler Barbarich, a faceoff specialist who recently
completed his freshman season with the University of Delaware men's
lacrosse squad, played a key role in helping the USA Under 19 team
capture the gold medal at the recently completed Federation of
International Lacrosse Championships.
Barbarich (pronounced "barber-rich"), an exercise science major from
Martinsville, N.J. (Bridgewater High School), shared the faceoff duties
with Charlie Raffa for the United States team and was outstanding,
winning 46 of 64 faceoff attempts for an impressive 75 percent winning
percentage. Barbarich won seven faceoffs in the gold medal game as the
U.S. upended Canada 10-8 on Saturday, July 21.
The U.S. kept its streak alive of winning every gold medal since
sanctioned U19 international began in 1988. Canada, which beat the U.S.
15-13 in overtime in pool play, finished in second place for the fifth
time in tournament history.
The U.S. team put together a great comeback run through the tournament
after dropping a pair of pool play games to the Iroquois National Team
and the Canadians earlier in the week.
The team went 2-2 in pool play, downing Australia 24-6, falling to
Canada 11-10 in overtime, defeating England 20-1, and dropping a 15-13
decision to the Iroquis. Barbarich won 8 of 10 faceoffs vs. Australia, 2
of 6 vs. Canada, 4 of 5 vs. England, and 8 of 12 vs. the Iroquis. Canada
became the first team to defeat the U.S. in 38 all-time games since
sanctioned competition began in 1988.
Team USA's 2-2 record in pool play vaulted the squad into medal
contention where they defeated Germany 22-2 in the quarterfinals,
Iroquis 12-7 in the semifinals, and Canada 10-8 in the championship.
Barbarich won 8 of 10 draws vs. Germany, 9 of 12 vs. Iroquis, and 7 of 9
vs. Canada.
Barbarich enjoyed a solid rookie season for the Blue Hens and head coach
Bob Shillinglaw in 2012 as he played in eight games, scored one goal,
and won 18 of 42 (.429) faceoffs. He will battle for the regular faceoff
spot in 2013 with the graduation of two-time All-Colonial Athletic
Association standout Dan Cooney
