US Lacrosse has selected the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., as the site for the 2005 International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations (IFWLA) World Cup. The event, which will take place from June 23 to July 2, 2005, is being played in the United States for the first time since 1986. "We're thrilled that this world championship is returning to the United States, and we anticipate a great event at the Naval Academy," said Steve Stenersen, executive director of US Lacrosse, which will oversee the event. "The academy's facilities are outstanding and Annapolis is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country." The World Cup will be played at two of Navy's athletic facilities - the Glen Warner Soccer Facility and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The 2,500-seat Glen Warner Soccer Facility opened in 2001, and the Bermuda turf field sits on the banks of the Severn River, providing an outstanding view for spectators. The final two days of competition, including the semifinals and championship game, will be played in 34,000-seat Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The stadium, home to Navy's football and men's lacrosse teams, will have just completed a three-phase, $40 million dollar renovation project. A record 10 teams - Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, the U.S., and Wales have committed to compete for the 2005 IFWLA World Cup. The Czech Republic hasn't played in a World Cup since 1993 and this will mark New Zealand's first appearance. The U.S. has won the last four World Cup championships, but the play has been highly competitive. The U.S. won the 2001 World Cup in High Wycombe, England, by beating Australia 14-7, but the round-robin game victory over Australia was just 7-5. In 1997, in Edogawa, Japan, the U.S. beat Australia 3-2 in overtime after losing the round-robin game to the Aussies. The U.S. also needed overtime to beat England for the 1989 World Cup in Perth, Australia. Australia beat the U.S. 10-7 in the 1986 World Cup final in Swarthmore, Pa., the last time the event was held on American soil. US Lacrosse will also host a high school girls' lacrosse festival, the Cup of Nations, in conjunction with the World Cup. The Cup of Nations will be held at nearby Anne Arundel Community College from June 29 to July 2, 2005, and will celebrate international play, giving under-19 teams from the U.S. and abroad the opportunity to be part of the World Cup experience. Sarah Oglesby joined the US Lacrosse staff in March as 2005 World Cup Coordinator. US Lacrosse has launched a World Cup section of its web site. For all the latest information on the 2005 IFWLA World Cup, including news, tickets, volunteering, and Annapolis-area attractions, visit www.uslacrosse.org/worldcup. (by Brian Logue) |
