Some are calling it one of the most important games in lacrosse history. Others are just happy the United States beat Canada, 12-10, avenging their defeat by the neighbor’s from the north in 2006.

Four players from Long Island took home gold: Kevin Cassese, Steve Peyser, Max Seibald and Matt Zash. Rick Sowell, who is the head coach at Stony Brook, was an assistant for Team USA and also earned a medal.

Many were surprised by head coach Mike Pressler’s decision to take Port Jefferson Station’s Kevin Cassese on this team, but his decision made sense for leadership purposes and paid off Saturday afternoon in Manchester, England.

The same went for Massapequa’s Matt Zash, who in the final minutes ran out the clock.
As for Peyser, he hit the cage with a shot at 9:37 of the second quarter and Seibald picked up a key ground ball also in the second.

Paul Rabil was named Most Valuable Player of the World Games, while Seibald was picked as an All-World selection.