BALTIMORE -- Syracuse embraced its unique role as the spoiler, ruining a compelling story line by defeating Navy to claim its ninth NCAA lacrosse championship.
Mike Powell had five assists and scored the key goal with 60 seconds remaining, and the Orange overcame an inspired effort by Navy in a 14-13 victory Monday.
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| As Navy players console each other, Syracuse's Steve Vallone displays the winner's prize. (AP) |
But the Orange (15-2) refused to cooperate.
"We weren't playing to beat our country," Powell said. "We didn't view it as something unpatriotic. We viewed it as the national championship game. Luckily, we came away with a win against one of the most talented teams I've ever seen in college lacrosse."
In a game that featured 10 ties and five lead changes, Syracuse used a three-goal run late in the fourth quarter to go up 14-12. Ian Dingman scored for Navy with 40 seconds left, but the Orange held on to earn their third title in five years.
Brian Nee had three goals for Syracuse, which also won the title in 2000 and 2002.
Jon Birsner had two goals and three assists for Navy (15-3), playing in only its second title game (the other was in 1975). The Midshipmen were the sentimental choice, especially on Memorial Day with the country at war, but Navy couldn't come up with fitting end to its storybook season.
"Several years down the road, when these young guys look back on this day, I think they'll realize this was a tremendous experience for them," Navy coach Richie Meade said.
"It was a great story, but we expected to compete and we expected to win. It's obviously disappointing that we didn't, but we're proud to represent the armed forces today, including the other service academies."
Down 10-8 early in the final quarter, Navy scored three consecutive goals to take its first lead since 5-4. But Sean Lindsay tied it with Syracuse on the man advantage with 8:58 remaining.
One minute later, Navy goalie Matt Russell left with a right shoulder injury, leaving freshman Colin Finnegan to man the net over the final eight minutes of the academy's biggest game in 29 years.
Finnegan started a fast break that resulted in the go-ahead goal by Clipper Lennon, but Syracuse's Brian Crockett scored from the left side to make it 12-all with 4:57 remaining.
Nee then scored for Syracuse off a pass from Powell, and Powell gave the Orange a two-goal advantage with his 47th goal with one minute to play.
"To end my career, scoring the last goal and winning by one in the national championship game, Hollywood should probably buy it," said Powell, a senior, who was voted the most outstanding player in the tournament.
Powell's third assist, on a goal by Steve Vallone, put the Orange ahead 8-7 early the third quarter. Birsner then tied it, but Syracuse used successive goals by Crockett and Alex Zink -- the latter off a fine pass by Powell -- to take a 10-8 lead into the final period.
The Midshipmen battled back, setting the stage for the exciting finish.
It didn't quite end the way Navy wanted, but the Mids had no reason to apologize.
"Playing on Memorial Day and being in the military makes it extra special," Dingman said. "Honoring our veterans in all the wars, I hope they aren't anything but proud of us."
The first half was played on soggy artificial turf in a steady rain that became heavy at times, but the elements failed to significantly slow either team.
The Orange scored on seven of their initial eight shots on goal, and the opening 30 minutes featured six ties and ended 7-all.
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