The Vienna Monarchs found themselves, yet again, competing at the Lax in the Box – box lacrosse tournament in Dresden, Germany, 5th-7th of May 2017. The Monarchs had their eyes set on a great tournament including opponents from Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the Czech Republic.
After taking the trip up North, the Monarchs slowly started to arrive Friday evening at the Hotel Adler and wasted no time, but made sure to get the rest they needed for meeting Team Germany (Deutschland Adler) for their first game of the tournament the very next day.
It proved to be a difficult one. After not capitalizing on their own chances and not finding their legs, the Monarchs got defeated by an effective German squad that came out, ready to play. After suffering a 1:4 loss to the Germans, the captains, Adrian and Klaus made sure the rest of the squad knew they had to step up their game.
Being granted enough time to get some rest, freshen up with a second breakfast or to work on their stick skills, the Monarchs also spent their time watching and studying the game of the Czech U19 Team. Their next opponent would be the Orange Warriors from the Netherlands.
Yet again, were the Monarchs surprised by the unorthodox game plan of the Dutch. Nevertheless, a strong suited offense and tightened up defense in the second half of the game, gave the Monarchs an urgently needed win to set up their match up with the Czech.
Smartly done, the team captains organized a team meeting to discuss our lost game plan. Their first win and self-study following their last game made sure the Monarchs knew how to face the Czech.
After a hard fought and intense battle against the skilled and well coached team, the Monarchs never gave in and settled the score with a 3 to 1 win, thanks to top performances, especially from our netminder, Christoph Kunert. If not this, then nothing else would give the Monarchs the confidence to square up with their next opponent.
After some confusion, whether a fourth game was needed, the Monarchs were set to play the German military “Bundeswehr Lacrosse” for a spot in the final four.
Before the Monarchs were to be given the opportunity to play their hearts out, the spectators got to see a special skills competition, in which Emil Landgrebe (Transition) and Patrick Falb (Goalie) took part.
After capitalizing on a magnificent 3 stick juggle shot, Emil took home the price as the winner of the Lax in the Box skills competition.
The game against Bundeswehr Lacrosse proved to be cruel for any ankles and minds. But the Monarchs prevailed, fought with cross checks and top corner zingers, and secured their spot in the semifinals against, who else, the German national team.
After eating dinner in downtown Dresden (Neustadt) and getting a good night sleep the Monarchs found themselves back at Energieverbund Arena.
Pumped up for the second show down with the Germans, the Monarchs got swept in the first half, 0 to 4 the score. But the Monarchs knew this was the game, if any, to show that they could challenge the Germans.
Whatever gave the Monarchs headaches in the first half, seemed to have gone up in smoke in the second. After trailing 0 to 4 in the first, the Monarchs rallied and gained momentum. Klaus Hauer and Adrian Balasch traded goals, all until the German lead was overcome.
Unfortunately, the German team decided to really make it interesting by adding a last goal which made it 6:6, the final score. The game was to be decided in a penalty shootout, a worthy end to a crazy game filled with gorgeous goals and miraculous saves from “Kuni”.
The Vienna Monarchs were not to be disappointed and Klaus, Adrian and Rintaro Fujita each scored on their attempt. They had reached the final and team mates came flying over the boards to rejoice in the win.
As the final game got started, the Monarchs could not be fazed even by an early goal from the Polish Eagles. Dominating yet again in the second half, the Monarchs took home the trophy with a 4 to 1 win.
Congratulations.
Special mention: Tournament MVP: Klaus Hauer
(by Carl Andersson)
