Matthews scores five goals to lead Canada past the Iroquois Nationals

Mark Matthews (Photo from the Rochester Rattlers)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Canada rallied to score the last four goals and defeat the Iroquois Nationals 11-9 in its world indoor lacrosse championship opener on Sunday.

Mark Matthews scored five goals and Shawn Evans, Zack Greer, Curtis Dickson, Chris Corbeil, Dan Dawson and Jordan MacIntosh added one each for the Canadians (1-0). Aaron Bold earned the victory in net.

“The game certainly could have gone either way,” said head coach Ed Comeau. “Credit to the Iroquois. They were excellent. They played hard. It was a great game.”

Hiana Thompson, with two, Miles Thompson, Lyle Thompson, Wenster Green, Craig Point, Johnny Powless, Randy Staats and Jeff Shattler scored for the Nationals (1-1). Angus Goodleaf took the loss.

The Nationals scored first, led 5-3 after one quarter despite being outshot 15-9 and held a 6-4 edge at halftime.

“They came out real strong,” said Comeau. “We weren’t ready for that pace.”

The Nationals led 8-4 in the fifth minute of the third quarter when Canada rallied with three goals in 1:21.

Matthews scored on a power play at 11:14 and got another at 11:55, and Dickson connected with a fade-away sidearm shot at 12:35.

Hiana Thompson made it 9-7 1:44 into the fourth, but it was all Canada after that.

Corbeil scooped a loose ball in Iroquois territory and scored on a breakaway at 1:54 and Matthews tied it 9-9 from the side of the crease at 3:07.

Dawson then beat Goodleaf with a low shot from distance at 8:28.

MacIntosh evaded a check for a clear path to the net to score at 9:03 to cap the comeback.

“All the credit to Aaron Bold at the end,” said Corbeil. “He locked things down in the second half. What an effort out of him.”

Elsewhere, the United States doubled up the Czech Republic 14-7.

Canada plays the Czech Republic (0-1) Monday. The Iroquois opened with a 13-9 win over the Americans (1-1) on Friday.