Ireland survived a fierce battle against Mexico, 7-4, to take the top spot in Pool C at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship on Monday night in Seogwipo, Korea.
The two teams locked horns in a grueling physical contest, with both defenses up to the challenge on a picturesque evening on Jeju Island. But Ireland, having to defend time and time again with a narrow lead, had the more suffocating unit on the night, allowing just seven shots on goal and none in the fourth quarter to slow Mexico’s star attackers.
Through three wins, Ireland’s defense has allowed just five goals total.
Ireland scored clutch goals in key moments in the second half – Declan Butler answered a Mexico goal to cut the score to 5-4 less than two minutes later to restore a two goal lead, and when Mexico got within one 14 seconds after that, Boomer Staunton fired a crucial goal three minutes into the fourth quarter to snap an incredibly tense stretch.
Ireland improved to 3-0 and nabbed the top spot in Pool E, ensuring a fifth through eighth seed in the play-in round. Mexico finished pool play at 2-1 but will be in the play-in round itself as a ninth through 12th place team.
Staunton and Butler were Ireland’s sparks on an offensive slog of the night, doing enough to outgun Mexico’s attack. Staunton had three goals and Butler had two goals and an assist.
Euan McKeever also made three big saves upon calling for Ireland.
Mexico had opportunities to tie the game, in large part to Ricardo Tinocco’s perfect 14 of 14 outing on face-offs. Goalkeeper Weston Guerra also kept Mexico in it as well with an outstanding night in net, making 12 saves at a 63% clip.
Ezekiel Peraza had two goals and Wyatt Guerra had one for Mexico to help Mexico claw back from a 3-0 first quarter deficit.
Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday in the play-in round.
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