Los Angeles Handball Club Win Historic Continental Title and Book IHF Club World Championship Spot
For the sixth time in seven editions—and the fourth consecutive time—a club from the United States has won the North American and Caribbean Senior Men’s Club Championship, securing a place at the IHF Men’s Club World Championship.
This time, Los Angeles Handball Club claimed the continental title for the first time in their history. The Californian side won all four of their matches at the tournament, which was held in Queretaro, Mexico, from 6 to 10 July and featured two teams from the United States and two from Mexico.
“Winning the North American Championship is a huge milestone for LA Handball Club and for the growth of this sport in America. It validates years of work building a program from the ground up, and now earning our spot at the Super Globe means we get to test ourselves against the best clubs in the world. We’re proud to represent USA handball on that stage, and we’re just getting started.” said Lewis Howes, President of Los Angeles Handball Club.
On their way to the IHF Men’s Club World Championship, Los Angeles Handball Club—coached by Olympic champion and two-time world champion Morten Olsen—opened the tournament with a convincing 31:20 victory against Mexican side Espartanos HC.
They then defeated New York 29:28 in a thrilling all-American encounter, with world and Olympic champion Michael Damgaard playing a key role and scoring six goals.
Los Angeles had no problems in their next match against Mexican side Juventus, recording a comfortable 36:25 victory. German player Lukas Wucherpfennig led the way with seven goals, as the win put the Californian club in a strong position to claim first place.
In the decisive match against New York, the team from the East Coast made a strong start to the second half. However, Los Angeles responded with an 8:2 run, which proved decisive and helped them secure a 34:29 victory, the continental title and a historic place at the IHF Men’s Club World Championship.
