Mexico Lacrosse

It was a gorgeous, sunny, Saturday afternoon in San Jose, Ca. when history was finally made. On June 28th, 2008, Team Mexico took the field at San Jose State University to battle the Palo Alto Lacrosse Club. It signaled the birth of a new and exciting international lacrosse program.

Team Mexico jumped out to a quick 4-2 first quarter lead behind 4 goals by midfielder Rod Sweet (Sonoma St.), and the strong defensive play of d-man Paul Morgan (San Diego Junior College), and goaltender Chris Santos (San Jose State). In the second quarter, however, Palo Alto bounced back to tie the score up at 5-5 at halftime. Team Mexico’s fifth tally of the day came on a score by attackman Kevin Katerndahl (Dominican College). Little did Team Mexico know that it would be their last goal of the day.

The second half of the game was a back and forth affair with middies on both teams pushing the tempo and scrapping for possessions. The Palo Alto defense rose to the challenge and shut down Team Mexico’s scoring. Several near misses by attackman Tyr Rodriguez (San Jose State), and David Palacios (Dominican College) only added to Team Mexico’s frustration. Palo Alto pulled away for good when they were able to score on an extra-man opportunity after a slash call on defenseman Rene Kozarsky (Texas A&M) left Team Mexico short-handed.

When the final horn sounded, Palo Alto had earned a well deserved 10 to 5 victory over Team Mexico. Even though the team was disappointed with the loss, they were thrilled to be a part of such an exciting venture and groundbreaking experience.

However, the day’s festivities had only just begun. After the conclusion of the game, Team Mexico presented the Palo Alto players with gifts of maracas with notes of thanks for having helped make this game a reality. All the players took pictures and then retired to the far side of the field to thank their families and friends for their cheers of support. Mexico Lacrosse’s fans were thrilled to enthusiastically root on their boys, shaking maracas and Mexican flags throughout the game while wearing traditional Mexican sombreros.

The day continued with a barbeque meal of chicken, ribs, sausage, salads, and plenty of garlic bread catered by the Smoke Tiki Lounge. Palo Alto also provided adult beverages for all players and fans to enjoy. The festive atmosphere of brotherhood and comraderie continued throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

When darkness began to descend, the players threw on their new Mexico Lacrosse sweatshirts and entered Spartan Stadium to watch the MLL’s San Francisco Dragons take on the formidable Boston Cannons team. Boston dazzled the crowd with spectacular goals from Mikey Powell and Paul Rabil. Just watching them play catch on the sidelines was a clinic itself. Team Mexico captain Iliad Rodriguez (San Jose State) represented Mexico Lacrosse in a half time shoot out contest against Palo Alto captain Craig Conover. After thoroughly embarrassing himself, Iliad returned to his newfound Team Mexico friends to a chorus of boos and jeers (and he couldn’t have been happier!).

This whole day was an experience beyond description for Team Mexico’s players and fans. For some, it was a lifelong dream come true. For others, it was just the beginning of something greater to come. The Team Mexico players couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming Lake Tahoe tournament and their next chance to prove themselves on the field of battle. It’s sure to be another memorable experience no one will forget.