Lacrosse Academy Director Kevin Finneran's World Champion ring from the 1998 overtime battle with Canda.

On Saturday, the Team USA will battle Canada for the Lacrosse World Champions title. The IMG Lacrosse Academy’s own eight-time world champion, Director Kevin Finneran, offers his thoughts on the match-up.

On the eve of the biggest lacrosse game of the season (sorry Duke, country comes first), I want to wish our guys in Red, White and Blue the best of luck!

Earlier in the year, our nation was riveted by USA vs Canada in the Olympic hockey gold medal game, I expect that our team is anxious to even the score.  But, much more important than that, its entire focus is on winning the gold medal that Canada earned against us 4 years ago.

For Team USA to win we must do the following:

• 50% on faceoffs
• Hold Canada to 10 goals
• Have more assisted than unassisted goals
• Make Chris Sanderson move in goal
• Out ground ball Canada
• Limit Canada’s runs
• Don’t retaliate

Most importantly, we have to play intense/smart team defense.  Our goals will come.

I’ve been honored to wear the letters USA across my chest and have complete confidence that our team will be crossing the pond with a Gold Medal around their neck.  Best wishes to my Head Coach at Ohio Wesleyan and TEAM USA Head Coach, Mike Pressler.

Following the match-up, Team USA Head Coach Mike Pressler will jet over to Bradenton to guest coach at the Lacrosse Academy from July 25-31.