Syracuse claims national championship

This is not original reporting. All statistics have been compiled from The Washington Post.

The Syracuse men's lacrosse team continued their dominance in college lacrosse as they won the school's eighth national championship in a gripping 14-13 victory over the midshipmen of Navy at M&T stadium in Baltimore on Memorial Day.

Syracuse (15-2) spoiled Navy's (15-3) chance of winning their first lacrosse national championship and the school's first NCAA championships in any sport in more than 40 years. Navy had a breakout season following last year's disappointing losing season. The Midshipmen were one of the biggest surprises in college lacrosse this season as they proved themselves to be one of the top teams in Division I with key wins over Maryland, Georgetown and North Carolina.

Playing on Memorial Day had special meaning to the young cadets, many of who will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The team opened the game running out onto the field behind a Marine carrying an America flag from a base in Afghanistan.

The 43,898 fans at M&T stadium were then treated to a roller coaster of a game that had several lead changes and ten ties. The game was a back and forth offensive battle. In the end superstar and four-time all-American senior attackman Michael Powell of Syracuse rose to the occasion and scored what would be the deciding goal.

In the final minute of the game Powell managed to shake lose of the defense for a breakaway and scored on Navy's freshman goalkeeper. He was forced into the game after the starter, sophomore All-American Matt Russell, had to leave with a dislocated shoulder late in the third quarter. Powell's goal provided Syracuse with a necessary two-goal cushion as Navy sophomore Ian Dingman would score off the ensuing face-off. However, Navy was unable to convert on their last minute chances and Syracuse held on to their one goal margin.

Navy had their last lead at 12-11 on a goal by midfielder Clipper Lennon with 5:40 left in the game. However, Syracuse was able to create a turnover in the midfield and were able to convert on their possession. Syracuse would score again on a goal by senior Brian Nee with 3:37 left to take a one-goal lead, but Powell's late game heroics were needed to secure the victory.

Powell finished his illustrious college lacrosse career in high fashion leading his team to a National Championship with one goal and five assists. He was only the fourth player in college lacrosse history to be name an All-America for four years. Powell has emerged as lacrosse's superstar, even overshadowing his two brothers Ryan and Casey who were standouts at Syracuse and now stars in Major League Lacrosse.