BALTIMORE – Former Syracuse lacrosse stars Mike Leveille and Ryan Powell were named to the U.S. National Lacrosse Team on Monday, Nov. 2. The duo will represent the United States at the 2010 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship next July in Manchester, England.

The final 23-man U.S. roster was picked from a pool of 41 players that made up the U.S. training team. In addition to Leveille and Powell, former Orange standouts Matt Abbott and Steven Brooks were members of the training team that participated in several fall exhibitions.

"I want to congratulate the entire pool of players on their efforts, attitude and stellar play over three tremendous weekends this fall," said Team USA head coach Mike Pressler. "Without question, this was the best way to go in this thorough and, at times, exhausting process. We feel these 23 men give us the best chance to win the gold at the 2010 world championship in Manchester."

At Syracuse, Leveille was a four-time All-American (2005-08) and won the Tewaaraton Trophy winner as college lacrosse's player of the year in 2008. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2008 NCAA Championship after helping Syracuse win the national title. Leveille finished his SU career ninth in school history in goals (132), 12th in assists (83) and 12th in points (215).

Powell earned All-America honors four times at Syracuse (1997-00) and was a member of the 2000 national championship squad. He is tied for second on the Orange's career points list with his brother (Casey) at 287.

Powell is one of five players on the 2010 roster that were also members of the 2006 U.S. squad, coached by SU head coach John Desko, that was the runner-up to Canada at the world championship. The others are Ryan Boyle, Kevin Cassese, Matt Striebel and Kyle Sweeney.

The team's first appearance together will be at the 2010 US Lacrosse National Convention in Baltimore, Md. from Jan. 15-17, followed by their first on-field competition together at the 2010 Champions Challenge at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla. against Duke and Army from Jan. 30-31.

2009-11-02