Lacrosse Star on World Stage

When team USA takes the field at the World Lacrosse Championships this week, Massapequa's own Matt Zash will be part of the squad.

Zash, 26, will be a midfielder for the team when the US takes on Australia Friday.

"Making the team is a tremendous honor," said Zash who starred at Massapequa High School, before moving on to Duke University and a professional career.

"There's always been two dreams for every lacrosse player. One is to play for the NCAA championship, the other is to win a gold medal for team USA."

Zash says he believes the team has what it takes to get the job done. The US is seeking redemption after losing to Canada in the 2006 Worlds. It was only the second time they've lost in the tournament.

"We have more of a cohesive team this time," Zash says. Instead of putting together a team of stars, the US emphasized team chemistry this time around.

"I'm more of a role player," Zash said. "I can do many different things, but there's no one thing I'm great at. But no one on the field is going to outhustle me or outwork me."

Zash may be selling himself short a bit. He was an alternate on the 2006 team, but scored two goals and had an assist for the US U19 team in 2003. He also plays professionally for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse and indoor lacrosse for the Orlando Titans. 

He was a first team All American at Duke and was named All ACC as a junior and senior. He's even been a successful businessman as the  co-owner of the Lax Hut, a sporting good store that sells lacrosse equipment. 

But right now there's just one goal.

"The gold medal," he said. "That's our reason for going here. Representing our country in the best possible way."